DRF condemns police assault on journalists in Dhaka

The Digital Reporters Forum (DRF) has strongly condemned and expressed deep concern over the attack on journalists by police while they were on duty in the Hotel InterContinental area of the capital.

In a statement issued on Saturday (February 7), the DRF said journalists present at the scene were performing their professional duties, including video recording and news gathering, during clashes between police and supporters of Inqilab Mancha.

According to eyewitnesses, police obstructed journalists from working and deliberately assaulted them.

The DRF said such incidents pose a serious threat to media freedom and journalists’ professional safety. Attacks on journalists while on duty are unacceptable and contrary to constitutionally guaranteed rights to freedom of expression and news gathering.

The organisation demanded an impartial investigation to identify the police personnel involved and called for exemplary departmental punishment. It also urged authorities to formally apologise to the injured and humiliated journalists.

The DRF expressed hope that law enforcement agencies will play a cooperative role in ensuring journalists can carry out their professional responsibilities and take effective steps to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.