Attacks on media during Interim Govt rare in world history: Iftekharuzzaman

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said the scale of attacks on media institutions during the one-and-a-half years of the interim government is “rare in world history” on Friday (May 8).

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the two-day “Bangladesh Journalism Conference” at the Radisson Blu Water Garden in Dhaka, he expressed deep concern over the state of media freedom and journalists’ security in the country.

He alleged that several established media outlets came under public attacks after August 2024, and in many cases, despite advance warnings, law enforcement agencies and security authorities failed to take effective action. He also claimed that army personnel present at some incidents did not play an active role in preventing the attacks.

Dr. Iftekharuzzaman further said it was “extremely disappointing” that some well-known individuals, lawyers, activists and even sections of the media appeared to “enjoy” such incidents. He stressed the need for deeper discussions on both internal and external challenges facing the media sector.

Highlighting the global risks faced by journalists, he said more than 500 journalists had been killed in the line of duty over the past decade. Referring to the Israeli attacks in Palestine since October 7, 2023, he claimed that at least 60 journalists had been killed there. He also cited journalist killing statistics from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, calling for stronger initiatives to ensure journalists’ safety and address professional risks.

Speakers at the conference emphasized the importance of an independent and accountable media for democratic progress. They also stressed the need to ensure journalists’ safety, access to information, good governance and professional development.

MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman said conference sessions would focus on digital newsroom transformation, complaint resolution systems, data use, gender equality, inclusion, journalist safety and partnerships between civil society and the media.

A total of 547 journalists, media experts and researchers from Bangladesh and 10 other countries are participating in the conference, organized to mark the 25th anniversary of Management and Resources Development Initiative (MRDI). More than 20 local and international speakers are taking part in over 12 sessions on media freedom, investigative journalism, technology, security and accountability.

The conference will conclude on Saturday.