Former and current students of Dhaka University’s Department of Mass Communication and Journalism held a protest rally and formed a human chain at the foot of the Raju Memorial Sculpture around 5pm on Monday, condemning the attack on Prothom Alo campus reporter Asif Himadri and demanding freedom of the press.
Under the banner "Present and Former Students of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism, Dhaka University," both teachers and students participated in the human chain, calling for an end to the harassment and torture of journalists.
During the protest, students covered their mouths with black tape and carried placards with slogans such as "Independent Bangladesh Means Independent Journalism," "Justice for Sagar-Runi," and "Journalism is Not a Crime."
The protestors demanded a thorough investigation and justice for all attacks on journalists, including the assault on Asif Himadri.
Associate Professor Md Saiful Alam Chowdhury of the mass communication and journalism department at Dhaka University addressed the rally, mentioning that journalists are not receiving justice for the harassment they face.
"Journalists are being victimized while collecting information. In some cases, even though cases are filed, investigations are not conducted," he said.
He further pointed out that even when investigations do take place, trials are often delayed, and the accused frequently escape punishment despite court orders.
Prothom Alo's Dhaka University correspondent Asif Himadri was attacked by Ansar members on Sunday night while performing his professional duties in front of the Secretariat.
Despite identifying himself as a journalist, he was assaulted by the Ansar members.
He was later taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital, but due to delays in receiving treatment, he was transferred to a private hospital in the capital. After being declared out of danger, he went to the house of an acquaintance.