Three sports journalists’ organisations have demanded action against police officers accused of assaulting reporters at the SAFF Championship in Dhaka. The incident happened after Bangladesh’s match against Sri Lanka on Wednesday, and a joint protest letter followed on Thursday.
The Bangladesh Sports Press Association (BSPA), Bangladesh Sports Journalists Association (BSJA) and Bangladesh Sports Journalists Community (BSJC) sent the letter to State Minister for Youth and Sports Mohammad Aminul Haque. It was signed by their general secretaries, Sudipta Ahmed Ananda, SM Sumon and Shafiqul Islam Shameem.
According to the letter, Ekattor Television’s senior reporter Nahian Bin Jasim and sports reporter Hasan Sajib were working with other journalists in the designated mixed zone of the National Stadium. All held valid accreditation, yet police on duty reportedly obstructed them.
The organisations say repeated displays of identity and accreditation cards made no difference. They allege the situation escalated after one officer’s behaviour, and that between 20 and 25 police personnel then attacked the journalists together.
Sajib was seriously hurt, with a leg injury and bleeding from the ear. Ekattor camera operator KM Mizan suffered a bleeding elbow injury and his camera was damaged. Jasim was also physically assaulted, the letter states.
The bodies called the episode a threat to independent journalism, saying such conduct towards accredited reporters in an authorised area during an international tournament raises concerns for both their work and their personal safety.
Their first demand is an impartial committee to investigate, identify the officers involved and take departmental and legal action against them. They want exemplary punishment for those found responsible.
Second, they want an inquiry into negligence by SAFF and the Bangladesh Football Federation. The letter says SAFF and its event management company organised the tournament, with the BFF in a supporting role, and alleges poor coordination and discriminatory treatment of media.
It also criticised the media zone, claiming its location and arrangements fell short of international standards. Third, the organisations seek permanent measures so journalists can work safely at every stadium and sports venue in the country.
The statement added that sports journalists have long worked alongside the government to develop the country’s sporting sector. The general secretaries urged the minister to treat the matter with utmost importance and act swiftly.