Multimedia Journalists Jolt Justice: Protest in Dhaka Over Police Assault
Multimedia journalists working in Dhaka held a protest rally against attacks by law enforcement personnel. The demonstration took place on Saturday, February 7, at noon in front of the National Museum in Shahbagh, organized by the Multimedia Reporters Association and journalists based in Dhaka.
During the protest, leaders including Fokhrul Islam, President of the Multimedia Reporters Association, and General Secretary Aktaruzzaman addressed the gathering.
Speakers described the incident as a premeditated attack. They emphasized that changing police uniforms did not alter their behavior and called for those responsible for the assault to face justice.
They also alleged that the attacks occurred with the presence and consent of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Masud. The journalists stated that multimedia reporters were specifically targeted and questioned, “Why should journalists be harmed? We demand a fair resolution. Until justice is served, we will continue our protest programs.”
The protesters expressed frustration, noting that when ordinary citizens are indiscriminately attacked and journalists report the incidents, police target the reporters. They added that what occurred the previous day appeared to be a deliberate operation against journalists.
The protest followed an incident on Friday, February 6, around 5:00 pm at Banglamotor Mor in front of the Intercontinental Hotel, where police allegedly attacked leaders and activists of Inqilab Mancha without provocation. Videos of the assault were reportedly deleted from a local resident’s mobile phone, and the individual was physically assaulted.
When journalists questioned the legality of personal mobile phone searches and video deletions, police reportedly began an unprovoked baton charge. Fifteen to twenty journalists, including Abu Bakkar Siddiq, Chief Multimedia Reporter of RTNN, were injured. Reports allege that police personnel led by Zahid carried out the attack, which directly impeded journalists’ professional duties and constituted blatant interference with media freedom.
According to various media reports, several journalists were injured while covering clashes between police and Inqilab Mancha protesters demanding justice for Osman Hadi’s killing. That afternoon, protesters attempted to break through barricades at Intercontinental Mor and advance toward the official residence of the Chief Adviser of the interim government at Jamuna. Police used sound grenades, tear shells, and water cannons; reports also allege baton charges on female protesters. During video coverage, at least one journalist was reportedly attacked, with his mobile phone forcibly knocked to the ground. The journalist allegedly suffered fractures to his fingers along with serious injuries to his back and ribs. Video footage also surfaced showing police threatening a journalist to unlock his phone.
DBTech/SI/MUM/OR
