118 former campus journalists condemn attack on RU journalists
They demand an independent investigation, legal action against those involved and permanent expulsion from Bangladesh Jatiyotabadi Chatradal if allegations are proven.
A group of 118 former campus journalists from different universities has condemned the alleged attack on journalists at Rajshahi University (RU) by Bangladesh Jatiyotabadi Chatradal activists, demanding an independent investigation and legal and organisational action against those responsible.
In a statement issued today (5 October), they demanded that those found responsible face punishment under university rules and existing laws. They also called for the permanent expulsion of Chatradal members involved in the attack if the allegations are proven.
Several journalists, including The Daily Star's RU correspondent and Rajshahi University Reporters' Unit President Nur Ahsan Mridul, Samakal's Mainul Islam Raju, bdnews24.com's Arifuzzaman Qurban and Agamir Shomoy's Zahidul Islam, were allegedly attacked while covering an incident near Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Hall on 4 October.
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According to eyewitnesses and media reports, several Chatradal activists were allegedly carrying local weapons, including machetes, cleavers, hockey sticks, pipes and baseball bats. The statement said journalists were attacked when they attempted to photograph and record the incident.
It alleged that at least 10 Chatradal activists, including RU unit Vice Presidents Ahsan Habib and Shariful Islam, Joint General Secretary Hasibul Islam and Assistant Office Secretary Shahriar Alam, were involved in the attack.
The former campus journalists said an internal investigation by Chatradal could not substitute for an independent legal investigation into allegations of criminal offences.
They urged the authorities to ensure that anyone found responsible is prosecuted under the existing laws.
They also criticised the university administration, saying the journalists were attacked in the presence of university officials and that the authorities failed to ensure their safety or bring the situation under control.
Meanwhile, central Chatradal has formed an investigation committee to look into the incident.
The former campus journalists also condemned the alleged attack on members of the Dhaka University Journalists' Association at Shahbagh Police Station on 23 April and the alleged vandalism of the Haji Danesh Science and Technology University Journalists' Association office.
