It is outrageous no public apology has been made by authorities to Nazmul Huda Suman, the correspondent for New Age, who was beaten up by police officers at Ramna last Sunday evening.
There is never any excuse for police brutality. For a journalist to be assaulted in such a way during the course of their duties amounts to an attack on press freedom.
Dhaka University Journalists Association is right to express concern that the assault on Suman is an affront to free speech and an attack on the rights of all citizens.
It is clear from the record of serious head injuries received by the journalist and a fellow victim, that he was badly beaten up while in police custody.
It is deeply troubling the assault continued long after the initial altercation, which arouse outside over an argument about pillion riding, and was carried on further by a group of officers both inside a police van and at the police station.
This case is a test of how seriously the government and authorities take the rights of the press.
The police are servants of the public with a duty to uphold the law. It is vital for the public interest that all police officers responsible for unlawful actions are brought to book.
We note the Metropolitan Magistrate has ordered a joint commissioner of the Detective Branch of police to investigate the incident and submit a report by March 10.
We will be watching, and await the report with anticipation.