DUJA demands end to impunity in journalist attacks

The Dhaka University Journalists Association (DUJA) has strongly condemned the alleged attack by Chhatra Dal activists on journalists while they were performing their professional duties at Rajshahi University (RU), demanding an end to impunity and exemplary punishment for those responsible.

DUJA also called for ensuring a safe and unhindered working environment for journalists on all university campuses across the country.

DUJA President Md Manjur Hossain Mahi and General Secretary Liton Islam made the demands in a joint statement on Monday.

According to the statement, Chhatra Dal leaders and activists allegedly attacked journalists with locally made weapons in front of Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall at RU on Sunday night while the journalists were carrying out their professional duties.

At least 10 people, including RU unit Chhatra Dal Vice-President M Ahsan Habib, Joint General Secretary Hasibul Islam, Vice-President Shariful Islam, Deputy Office Secretary Shahriar Alam and activist Vishal Chakraborty, allegedly took part in the attack, the statement said.

The attackers allegedly used ramdas, chapatis, hockey sticks, rods and baseball bats to beat the journalists and attempted to snatch their mobile phones.

At least 10 journalists, including bdnews24.com's Arif Uz Zaman Korban, Daily Agamir Shomoy's Zahidul Islam, The Daily Star's Nur Ahsan Mridul and Daily Samakal's Mainul Islam Raju, sustained injuries in the attack, according to the statement.

Calling for immediate justice and accountability, DUJA leaders said, "If effective action is not taken against those involved in the attack on journalists, questions will naturally arise about whether the relevant state institutions are properly discharging their responsibilities."

They said attacks on journalists should not be treated as isolated incidents, particularly when similar allegations have emerged from different campuses.

The DUJA leaders also referred to an earlier attack on journalists at Dhaka University. They said at least 10 DUJA members came under attack by Chhatra Dal activists inside Shahbagh Police Station on 23 April while performing their professional duties.

Although the Dhaka University administration formed an investigation committee following the incident, more than five months have passed without the committee submitting its report to the administration, they said.

They also claimed that no visible action had been taken over the incident and that Shahbagh Police Station had not accepted a case.

"Impunity and delays in dealing with attacks on journalists not only prolong the justice process but also encourage attacks, intimidation and obstruction of journalists in carrying out their professional duties," the DUJA leaders said.

They warned that failure to ensure accountability could increase the risk of similar incidents recurring in the future. They also stressed that the government, law enforcement agencies, university administrations and other relevant authorities have a responsibility to ensure journalists' safety.

The DUJA leaders further said that the failure to bring those responsible for attacks on journalists to justice undermines the expectations for a free, independent and democratic Bangladesh that emerged after the July uprising.

"Recently, allegations of attacks on journalists, obstruction of their professional duties and threats have emerged during clashes on different campuses," they said.

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They warned that unless the authorities take prompt action in such cases, journalists' safety, freedom of expression and the establishment of a democratic environment could all come under threat.

DUJA called on the authorities to identify those involved in the RU attack, take legal action against them and ensure exemplary punishment. It also urged the authorities to ensure a safe and unhindered environment for journalists to perform their professional duties at all campuses across the country.