At least 162 journalists across the country faced attacks, threats, harassment and legal harassment in 112 separate incidents over the past three months while performing their professional duties, according to a monitoring report by private research organisation Media Initiative for Development (MID).
The report, released on Friday, said August recorded the highest number of incidents involving violence and harassment against journalists during the three-month period.
In July, 50 journalists were affected in 39 incidents across the country. The number rose to 44 incidents in August, affecting 67 journalists, a 12.8% increase from the previous month.
The situation improved somewhat in September, with 45 journalists affected in 29 incidents. Compared to August, the number of incidents fell by 34.1%, while the number of affected journalists declined by 32.8%.
The MID report said physical attacks and death threats were the main forms of intimidation used against journalists during the period. In July, death threats accounted for 48.7% of reported incidents, while physical attacks made up 28.2%.
The three-month period also saw serious incidents involving shootings, attacks on journalists’ homes and offices, the filing of cases and abductions.
Physical attacks increased sharply in August, accounting for 63.6% of all incidents. In September, physical attacks and threats each accounted for 37.9% of the incidents.
A media-wise analysis showed that journalists working for print media, particularly those in the field and outside major cities, were the most affected. Of the 162 journalists targeted during the period, 89 were reporters for daily newspapers, while 53 worked for television channels and 20 for online news outlets.
Geographically, attacks and harassment against journalists were reported in more than 30 districts. Dhaka, Chittagong, Sirajganj, Barisal and Sylhet divisions recorded comparatively higher numbers of incidents.
The MID also expressed concern over the limited legal action taken following attacks and threats against journalists.
According to the report, general diaries (GDs) were filed in 46.2% of incidents in July and 54.5% in August, while the rate of formal case filing remained very low. In September, no legal action was taken in at least 41.4% of the reported incidents.
On media freedom and journalists’ safety, MID Executive Director Rashedul Hasan said: “Violence against journalists is a direct attack on press freedom and people’s right to information.
The government must sincerely ensure journalists’ safety by conducting impartial and swift investigations into every incident and ensuring exemplary punishment for those responsible.”