Attacks on media during interim govt rare in world history: Iftekharuzzaman

Attacks on media institutions in Bangladesh during the one-and-a-half years of the interim government are rare in world history, said Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman. 

He expressed deep concern over the lack of effective action by relevant authorities, which has raised serious questions about media freedom and security. 

He was speaking at the inauguration of the two-day Bangladesh Journalism Conference at the Radisson Blu Water Garden Hotel in Dhaka on Friday.

Dr Iftekharuzzaman said that after August 2024, several established media outlets faced open attacks. In many instances, although the attacks were announced in advance, law enforcement and security forces failed to take effective measures. 

He alleged that even army members present at the scenes did not play an active role.

He expressed disappointment that after these attacks, some well-known people in society, lawyers, activists, and a section of media professionals appeared to have “enjoyed” the incidents. 

He called for in-depth discussion at the conference on the crisis facing the media both internally and externally.

Referring to global insecurity for journalists, he noted that more than 500 journalists have lost their lives while performing their duties in the last decade. Additionally, 60 journalists have been killed in Israeli attacks in Palestine since October 7, 2023. 

He cited statistics on journalist killings in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh, urging more effective initiatives to ensure their safety.

Speakers at the conference emphasised that the role of independent and accountable media is crucial for democratic progress. They also highlighted the importance of journalist safety, the right to information, good governance, and professional development.

MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman said various sessions would cover the transformation of digital newsrooms, complaint redressal systems, use of information, gender equality, inclusion, safety of journalists, and media partnerships with civil society.

Some 61 journalists have received fellowships and will present their investigative news concepts and research at the conference. Four special help desks have been set up on investigative journalism, right to information, fact-checking, and mental health support. 

The conference will conclude on Saturday.

The event, organised by MRDI to mark its 25th anniversary, is being attended by 547 journalists and media experts from 10 countries, including Bangladesh. 

More than 12 sessions featuring 20 local and international discussants will address issues of media freedom, investigative journalism, information technology, security, and accountability. Prominent attendees include UNESCO Bangladesh Representative Susan Bhai, TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Swedish Ambassador Nicholas Weeks, Global Investigative Journalism Network Executive Director Emilia Diaz-Strack, and MRDI Executive Director Hasibur Rahman.