Editorial
Journalists under threat
Take exemplary action against perpetrators
We note with concern reported incidents of harassment and intimidation of journalists from vested quarters for reporting on their wrongdoings and transgressions. Two recent incidents profoundly illustrate how increasingly difficult it is getting for journalists, both print and electronic media, to perform their professional duties, particularly outside the Capital.
In one instance the local correspondent of a leading Bangla daily, along with reporters and cameramen of two TV channels, suffered injuries after they were attacked and severely beaten up by some goons in Kushtia. They had gone to investigate a case of irregularity in the repair and refurbishment work of Rabindranath's 'Kuthibari' and other works when they were set upon by thugs of the local contractor with rods and hockey stick. According to the injured journalists, a local Awami League leader was complicit in the matter.
In the other instance, the Tanore correspondent of a Rajshai daily had to face the wrath of the local OC for reporting his misdeeds, even to the extent of having a case of extortion instituted against him by the said OC. Not only that, his family members also had to suffer harassment by the local police at the dead of night.
These two incidents are fairly representative of the conditions of journalists in Bangladesh. And such has been the long history of newsmen suffering harassment and maltreatment.
We wonder why power and might should be exploited to curb people's right to know, and why the keepers of the law should feel inclined to take law in their own hands when there are other avenues for redress of grievance, if any.
We are happy to note that the police administration has moved against the said police official and we hope that exemplary action would be taken against him. In this context, we would also like to caution our fellow journalists to work with integrity so that none gets the slightest chance to impute motives to their work.
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