The Editors’ Council has condemned the attack on journalists in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi area on June 23, demanding a prompt, impartial and credible investigation into the incident and punishment for those responsible.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the council said the incident occurred while journalists were gathering news after a political program organized by the Dhaka South unit of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami.
The council said although the party concerned had described the incident as a “misunderstanding” and announced an investigation, there could be no justification for attacking journalists while they were performing their professional duties.
It said such attacks undermine press freedom, the right to gather news and freedom of expression.
The Editors’ Council urged the authorities concerned to identify those responsible through a credible investigation and take appropriate action against them.
The organization also called on the relevant authorities to ensure a safe and secure environment in which journalists can carry out their professional responsibilities without fear.
The statement was signed by Editors’ Council President Nurul Kabir and Secretary General Dewan Hanif Mahmud.
