Dhaka, July 8(HS): Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has voiced grave concerns regarding the plight of journalists in Bangladesh. Former DRU president Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo, alongside 51 journalists, reported that within 11 months, 412 journalists faced lawsuits, with 39 arrested and imprisoned.

Additionally, 168 journalists had their press accreditation revoked, and over 100 lost their jobs. A statement issued criticized the power establishment for the ongoing harassment, threats, and violence against journalists, highlighting a surge in accusations of murder, dismissals, and attacks on media outlets. The statement lamented the lack of accountability for these incidents, noting that between July and December of the previous year, 10 journalists were killed.

Over 300 journalists are banned from international travel, many have frozen bank accounts, and 101 media personnel were expelled from press clubs. Journalist unions have been taken over, with the Dhaka Union of Journalists’ office closed for nearly a year. Many journalists have remained in jail without hearings, violating their constitutional rights. The statement called on the interim government to prioritize the safety of journalists and address the deteriorating conditions, expressing disappointment at the lack of improvement in nearly a year.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar