ARTICLE 19, an International human rights organization, has expressed deep concern over the murder of Jamalpur representative of Banglanews24.com and Bokshiganj representative of Ekattor TV, journalist Golam Rabbani Nadim.
In addition, ARTICLE 19 demands a prompt and proper investigation of the incident and to bring the perpetrators to justice, reads a press release issued on Monday.
ARTICLE 19 South Asia Regional Director Faruq Faisel said: “Journalist Golam Rabbani Nadim
murder is a worst example of a series of attacks against journalists in Bangladesh. States have a duty to investigate such attacks promptly, thoroughly and independently on journalists and prosecute those responsible.
“Numerous international and regional human rights instruments require states to provide effective remedies for human rights violations. Bangladesh is one of the many countries in the world that have failed to fulfil this obligation. The ongoing violence against journalists has already taken an alarming form which needs to be stopped immediately,” he added.
Faruq Faisel said: “Unfortunately, no specific law has been enacted to protect journalists in Bangladesh. Most of the murders of journalists, including the killing of journalist couple Sagar-Runi, have not been prosecuted, fueling violence against the media and a culture of impunity for crimes committed. Attacks on journalists and the practice of impunity for crimes committed against them are a matter of deep concern.”
Media reports reveal that, on June 14 Journalist Golam Rabbani Nadim, 43, who worked as a representative for Jamalpur in Bangla News and Bokshiganj in Ekattor TV and has been associated with local journalism for 15 years got attacked.
On the way back home, he stopped for a while in Bokshiganj. A group of 14-15 people attacked him with sharp weapons, as seen in CCTV footage. Nadim, critically injured in the attack, was admitted to Mymensingh Medical College Hospital. On 15 June, he passed away.
ARTICLE 19 demands a prompt, fair and impartial investigation of the incident and bring those involved under the law as well as take strict and exemplary action against them.
Such examples of attacks on journalists ahead of national elections is alarming for the media actors. Under international human rights law and international humanitarian law, it is the responsibility of the State to provide adequate protection to all media personnel, including journalists.
The human rights watchdog urged the government to take effective measures to prevent the recurrence of such incidents as well as ensure the safety of journalists and prevent harassment.
