Bangladesh: Women Journalists Face Targeted Attacks in Bangladesh Uprising
Photojournalist Fabeha Monir among several journalists indiscriminately targeted reporting on anti-government protests
Location: Bangladesh, Dhaka
Date: August 5, 2024
Women Press Freedom expresses deep concern for the safety and well-being of women journalists in Dhaka, who face heightened vulnerability amid the ongoing anti-government uprising and escalating violence. Sources on the ground tell us women journalists are being specifically targeted by police, opposition party supporters, and protestors while covering the situation following the military takeover. We urgently call on authorities in Dhaka to prioritize the protection and security of all journalists. Ensuring the safety of journalists is crucial to providing the public and the international community with accurate and timely information about the developments during this crisis. The ability of journalists to report freely and safely is vital, especially as the violent protests that began on July 1 continue to unfold.
“Police directly fired rubber bullets at us even knowing that the group of journalists were covering the protest. From police to the ruling party people and surprisingly protesters, journalists were attacked by everyone,” photojournalist Fabeha Monir tells Women Press Freedom that particularly women photojournalists are being attacked during the protests.
Monir, who herself was attacked while reporting on the ground, recounted how on August 5, 2024, protestors directed their anger towards the press. “Even today out of nowhere a man arrived from the crowd and tried to attack me and encouraging others accusing that the media is for no use,” she says.
Last month, Women Press Freedom documented the shooting and injury of Bengali journalist Nadia Sharmeen by police gunfire while covering the protests. One journalist was killed during the demonstrations, which have seen violent clashes between the country's youth and police. Several thousand protestors stormed the state broadcaster BTV, vandalizing furniture, smashing windows and lights, and setting parts of the building on fire.
Since July 15, the violent repression of the protests has resulted in at least 100 deaths and thousands of injuries. The government responded to the unrest by imposing a near-total communication blackout, shutting down the internet, and disrupting mobile services, which exacerbated the crisis.
In a significant victory for the students, on July 21, 2024, Bangladesh's Supreme Court eliminated most quotas on government jobs. However, several protest movement coordinators have stated that their actions will continue until the government takes concrete steps to end all quotas and addresses their further demands. These demands include justice for protestors killed in recent days, the release of detained protest leaders, the restoration of internet services, and the resignations of government ministers.
Amid mounting public pressure, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed resigned on August 5, 2024. Despite her resignation, the Bangladesh government continues to maintain the internet blackout.
Monir adds that she continues reporting by maintaining all safety and security protocols despite all odds, stressing that access to resources to ensure one’s safety on the ground is crucial to all journalists, including women.
“This is vital that women journalists receive training and have access to resources so we can continue our work beside our male colleagues,” says Monir.
Women Press Freedom stands with journalists in Bangladesh who report in the midst of violence and threats to their safety. We also demand the country’s military, which has taken over state affairs, ensure the protection of journalists and allow them to work on the ground without any fear of retaliation. Journalists and a free press are the pillars of a democratic society and their safety must be the state’s utmost priority.
Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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