The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) expressed deep concern on Thursday over the targeted shooting on a group of journalists who were sitting together after completing their professional duties late Tuesday night in Khulna, terming the incident an “attack on media freedom”.
In a press release, TIB stated that the journalists' hesitation to file a case reflects a prevailing culture of fear and a broader crisis of confidence in the authorities.
The organisation demanded an immediate, unbiased, and effective investigation to identify all those involved in the attack and to hold them accountable.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said, “It is not yet clear whether the attack specifically targeted an individual journalist or was carried out in retaliation for any particular news report. However, there is no doubt that this armed attack on journalists constitutes an assault on media freedom and the right to freedom of expression.”
He said without yielding to any form of influence or unnecessary delay, an impartial and effective investigation must be conducted to identify not only the perpetrators but also those who planned and ordered the attack and bring them to justice.
“Filing a case alone is not sufficient. It is equally important to establish the true motive behind the attack, identify who was or were responsible, determine under whose instructions it was carried out, and ascertain whether it was linked to the journalists' professional work. Otherwise, as has happened on numerous occasions in the past, this incident also risks becoming another addition to the long list of cases marked by impunity.”
According to media reports, the journalists who were attacked were initially reluctant to file a case.
Describing this as deeply concerning, the TIB Executive Director said, “The victims’ hesitation to seek legal redress points to fears of retaliatory attacks, a sense of insecurity, and the prevailing culture of fear within the journalism community. Given the circumstances, it is reasonable to draw the conclusion that there is a lack of trust in the capacity and willingness of the relevant authorities to ensure a thorough investigation and significant accountability.”
He said where the victims themselves fear to seek justice, one cannot say media freedom is safe.
“Such fear and mistrust discourage independent, investigative, and public-interest journalism while emboldening powerful and vested interest groups to act with greater impunity. To dismantle this culture of fear, the authorities must immediately take effective measures to ensure the safety of journalists and guarantee credible investigations, justice, and exemplary accountability for every attack against them.”