Noab did not provide journos with protective gear: Shafiqul

The Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (Noab) did not provide protective gear to journalists during the July uprising, claimed Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam yesterday.

“Six journalists lost their lives during the 2024 mass uprising. They were brutally killed. This happened because not a single journalist was provided with protective equipment,” he said at a programme at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in the capital.

He claimed that those reporting from the frontlines had no helmets, vests or goggles and were left exposed to heavy tear gas. 

“Noab often makes big statements but does not provide [protective] equipment for even a single journalist. A few days ago, they organised a big convention, yet no one spoke about protective equipment for journalists.”

He urged journalists to hold their employers accountable, saying those who assign reporters to cover hostile events bear significant responsibility. 

“The government fails in many areas, and the media rightly reports that. But employers also have responsibilities, and journalists should speak out about how much those responsibilities are being fulfilled.”

The remarks came during the handover ceremony of a Journalist Support Desk, jointly organised by Somosti and the DRU with support from UNESCO’s Global Media Defence Fund (GMDF). 

The desk, established under the project “Enhancing Legal Support System to Strengthen Media Protection”, will now be operated by the DRU.

The programme was chaired by Dr Susan Vize, UNESCO representative to Bangladesh, and moderated by Riaz Ahmed, editor of the Dhaka Tribune.

Speaking at the event, Dr Vize said the Journalist Support Desk is a timely and important initiative that will help journalists carry out their duties safely and professionally.

DRU President Abu Saleh Akon emphasised unity among journalists, saying they must stand against any form of oppression or harassment targeting them and rise above narrow divisions to support colleagues in need.

GMDF representative Lena Fox said journalists around the world are facing growing legal harassment and security risks, and journalist support desks have emerged as an effective model to address such challenges.