New Delhi, Dec 23: The Editors Guild of India on Tuesday strongly condemned a series of physical assaults, mob attacks, vandalism and arson targeting journalists and media establishments in Bangladesh, calling them a grave threat to press freedom in South Asia.
In a statement, the Guild expressed deep concern over the assault on New Age Editor and Editors’ Council President Nurul Kabir, as well as mob attacks on the offices of the widely circulated Bangla daily Prothom Alo and the leading English-language newspaper Daily Star. The Guild said these incidents mark a “serious and deadly escalation” in the continuing pattern of intimidation and violence against the media in Bangladesh.
The Editors Guild also noted with alarm reports of death threats issued to journalists on social media platforms. It urged the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government in Bangladesh to take immediate steps to ensure the physical safety and well-being of media persons and to act swiftly against those responsible for the attacks.
“These attacks constitute a clear violation of media freedom and are aimed at silencing independent voices and shrinking civic discourse,” the statement said, adding that a free and fearless press is essential for any democratic society.
Calling for urgent intervention, the Guild appealed to authorities in Bangladesh and elsewhere to ensure that journalists and media organisations are able to function in an environment free from threats, intimidation and violence.
The statement was signed by Editors Guild of India President Sanjay Kapoor, General Secretary Raghavan Srinivasan and Treasurer Teresa Rehman.
