Indian press organisations urge Yunus for protection of journalists in Bangladesh
UNB
Publish: 13 Aug 2024, 01:06 PM
New
Delhi, August 13, 2024 - In a formal appeal to Professor Muhammad Yunus, Chief
Adviser of the Interim Government of Bangladesh, leading Indian press
organisations have highlighted a disturbing surge in violence targeting
journalists across Dhaka, Chattogram, and other regions.
Reports indicated that
some journalists have been killed and many others have been forced into hiding.
The attacks are reportedly perpetrated not only by anti-social elements but
also by certain officials.
A coalition of leading
press organisations, including the Foreign Correspondents' Club of South Asia
(FCCSA), the Press Club of India (PCI), the Indian Women's Press Club (IWPC),
the Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA, India), the Press Association,
and the Indian Association of Foreign Affairs Correspondents (IAFAC), has
highlighted these concern regarding recent violent attacks on journalists and
media outlets in Bangladesh in a press release on Monday.
The coalition,
representing a broad spectrum of media and journalistic bodies, emphasizes the
critical role of a free press in fostering an informed society and supporting
democratic processes. As Nobel Peace laureate, Dr. Yunus is known for his
advocacy for social justice and human rights, and the organisations trust he
shares their concern for the safety of journalists.
The appeal underscores
the need for the Bangladesh government to take immediate and effective measures
to protect journalists and media workers. It calls for impartial and thorough
investigations into the violence and urges that perpetrators be held
accountable. Additionally, the coalition requests that political leaders,
public officials, and government authorities refrain from actions or rhetoric
that undermines the credibility and safety of the media, it said.
This urgent call to
action aims to ensure that journalists in Bangladesh can continue their crucial
work without fear of violence or intimidation, thereby upholding the principles
of a free, independent, and plural media, the release added.
End/UNB/MB/F