ARTICLE 19 urges immediate, transparent, gender-sensitive probe into rape of journalist

ARTICLE 19, an international human rights organisation, has urged authorities to conduct an immediate, transparent, and gender-sensitive investigation into the recent alleged rape of a woman journalist.

According to reports, multiple perpetrators allegedly attacked and raped the journalist on March 18.

In a press statement yesterday, ARTICLE 19 condemned the assault, stating that it reflects the persistent and growing threats faced by women journalists.

The organisation called for an immediate, impartial investigation that takes into account the gendered nature of the attack and its potential link to the journalist's professional work.

It stressed the need for a response that ensures justice, redress for the victim, and measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

Authorities must hold the perpetrators accountable, provide adequate reparations for the survivor, and implement policies to prevent further attacks, ARTICLE 19 emphasised.

The attack highlights the rising violence against women and girls in Bangladesh, said the statement. In recent months, cases of rape and gender-based violence have escalated, including the recent death of an eight-year-old girl in Magura following sexual assault. These incidents have sparked nationwide protests by political parties, socio-cultural organisations, and civil society groups demanding an end to violence against women.

This case also underscores the growing threats journalists face in Bangladesh amid deteriorating press freedom, the statement said. Over the past year, attacks on media professionals have increased, with women journalists facing disproportionate harassment, threats, and physical violence. The absence of gender-responsive safety measures and a culture of impunity have emboldened perpetrators, putting journalists—specially women—at greater risk, ARTICLE 19 warned.

Journalists play a crucial role in upholding democracy, transparency, accountability, and gender equality. ARTICLE 19 called on the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure that this case does not go unpunished and take concrete steps to protect journalists from gender-based violence and intimidation.

ARTICLE 19 also called on the government to develop effective mechanisms for the prevention, protection, monitoring, and response to threats against women journalists, both online and offline. It also urged politicians and community leaders to condemn attacks, avoid rhetoric that endangers journalists, and promote a safer environment for press freedom.

Media organisations and civil society must demand accountability and push for reforms to safeguard media freedom in the country, it added.