Khulna, Bangladesh:

The Bangladesh Journalist Protect Committee (BJPC) has expressed deep concern over recent threats and acts of violence against journalists in the country. The organization—operating with support from Free Press Unlimited and Article 19 and funded by the European Union—has called for an impartial investigation and exemplary punishment for those responsible for violating the safety and rights of journalists in Khulna and Satkhira.

In a formal statement, BJPC reported that Suman Ahmed, editor of Khulna Times, and Md. Kamrul Hossain Moni, Khulna bureau staff reporter for Amar Desh and upazila correspondent for Probah Daily, have recently faced serious threats and intimidation. Additionally, several working journalists at the Satkhira Press Club have reportedly been physically attacked by outsiders. These incidents, the organization says, are not isolated threats to individual safety, but direct assaults on press freedom and the right to free expression.

BJPC stated: “Journalism is a constitutionally recognized and independent profession. It is the duty of journalists to uncover the truth, not to hide it. Repeated attempts by vested interests to obstruct this profession pose a significant threat to democratic values.”

The organization urged relevant authorities to conduct swift investigations and ensure justice through appropriate legal action. It also emphasized the importance of establishing long-term and effective mechanisms to guarantee the safety and professional independence of journalists in Bangladesh.

Those who issued the statement and expressed condemnation include: Kaushik Dey, President, Staff Reporter, Daily Kaler Kantho; Anisur Rahman Kabir, General Secretary, Divisional Chief, Global Television; Muhammad Nuruzzaman, Senior Vice President, Chief Reporter, Probah Daily; Abhijit Pal, Correspondent, Independent TV; Rakibul Islam Moti, Correspondent, SA TV; Shishir Ranjan Mallick, Joint Secretary, Correspondent, My TV; Tariqul Islam Dalim, Office Secretary, Correspondent, Bangla TV; Md. Shamim Hossain, Publicity Secretary, Correspondent, Probah Daily; Abu Hena Mostafa Jamal Poplu, Executive Member, Special Correspondent, Maasranga Television; Md. Habibur Rahman, Correspondent, The Daily Star; Mehedi Masud Khan, News Editor, Probah Daily; Md. Mamun Hasan, Special Correspondent, Banglar Doot; S.M. Mahbubur Rahman, Correspondent, Bhorer Dak.

BJPC firmly believes that such attacks are not merely assaults on individuals but direct strikes against media freedom, freedom of expression, and the fundamental principles of a democratic state. The organization strongly urges the government, administration, and law enforcement agencies to take decisive and exemplary steps to ensure the safety and dignity of journalists in Bangladesh.

In a democratic society, journalism must be empowered to raise its voice — not silenced.