Bangladesh: WPF Demands Accountability after Journalist Assaulted in Attack on Media House
At least 70 armed attackers vandalized offices of East West Media Group and assaulted woman journalist
Location: Bangladesh, Dhaka
Date: August 19, 2024
Women Press Freedom is deeply concerned for the safety of journalists in Bangladesh, following a violent attack on the building of the East West Media Group in Dhaka. The assault left several injured, including a woman journalist from Radio Capital. We call on the interim government of Bangladesh to conduct an immediate, thorough investigation into this attack and to bring the perpetrators to justice. As a newly appointed authority, the government must fulfill its promise to restore peace and protect press freedom, which is integral to any functioning democracy.
On August 19, 2024, a mob of at least 70 armed men stormed the offices of the East West Media Group, a major media conglomerate under the Bashundhara Group, located in Dhaka. Armed with hockey sticks and batons, the assailants targeted media workers, causing injuries and significant property damage, including the destruction of 11 vehicles. Among the injured was a woman journalist from Radio Capital, who was rescued by colleagues after sustaining minor injuries.
East West Media Group houses several influential media outlets, including Kaler Kantha, Bangladesh Pratidin, Daily Sun, News 24, banglanews24.com, and T Sports. Enamul Haque Chowdhury, editor of The Daily Sun, speculated that the attack might have stemmed from a rivalry and not for political reasons.
The attack occurred in the wake of significant political upheaval. On August 5, 2024, following weeks of intense protests led by students, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted after a 15-year rule. The uprising, fueled by public frustration over corruption and elite control, resulted in deadly clashes, with over 600 people losing their lives and many others injured. Among those assaulted while covering the protests were women journalists Fabeha Monir and Nadia Sharmeen, cases documented by Women Press Freedom.
An interim government has since taken control, with promises to address the issues that led to Hasina's downfall. Despite hopes for a return to democracy, the country remains unstable. The attack on the East West Media Group follows the August 14 assault on the Chittagong Press Club, which left 20 journalists injured, raising concerns about the safety of the press in the current climate.
Media outlets, journalist associations, and press freedom organizations have universally condemned the attacks, urging the authorities to take decisive action.
Women Press Freedom stands in solidarity with the journalist and her colleagues who were victims of this attack. The protection of journalists is a fundamental pillar of democracy and must be prioritized by the Bangladeshi authorities. Failing to act swiftly will only embolden those who seek to silence the media through violence.
The interim government has the opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to justice by ensuring the perpetrators are swiftly brought to justice, setting a precedent that attacks on press freedom will not be tolerated.
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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