Attacks on newsmen worry editors

This October 28 photo shows State Minister for LGRD Jahangir Kabir Nanak visiting injured Ekattor TV journalist Zakaria Biplob, who came under a bomb attack on Saturday, at Dhaka Combined Military Hospital (CMH).

Editors' Council, an organisation of professional editors of almost all the highest-circulated newspapers in the country, today expressed grave concern over the recent attacks on the journalists and media outlets in the country.

In a press statement, the organisation urged all political parties to refrain their activists from attacking newsmen and media houses. It also requested the government to provide protection.

"We are witnessing with grave concern that the journalists and media offices were being attacked by political activists since the last few days amid the current heated political situation," reads the statement.

Journalists and their vehicles have always remained out of the purview of hartal and blockades. In spite of that, at least 19 journalists, four media outlets and several media vehicles were attacked from October 26-30, the statement said.

Besides, crude bombs were exploded in front of at least two journalists’ residences during this time, it added.

"This sort of political attitude is very alarming in real sense. In consequence, we the newsmen are suffering from a sense of insecurity,” says the statement issued by Mahfuz Anam, the general secretary of the organisation.

The statement said the role of mass media is very important in democratic process and democracy cannot sustain without independent and active media.

“Bangladeshi mainstream media are working with that purpose. Independent and active media, which is a glorious achievement for Bangladesh, has been achieved through huge sacrifice and struggle. Bangladeshi people and newsmen in no way let the achievement to be destroyed,” it added.