The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned the recent attack on the East West Media Group and the suspension of broadcasts by Somoy TV, urging the Bangladesh interim government to take immediate action to protect journalists and uphold press freedom.
On August 19, around 70 unidentified attackers stormed the East West Media Group Limited (EWMGL) Complex in Dhaka, vandalizing property and causing significant damage. The assailants, armed with hockey sticks and batons, targeted the media group’s offices, damaging over ten vehicles and destroying furniture and equipment. A female journalist was also reportedly assaulted during the incident.
Meanwhile, the High Court of Bangladesh ordered a seven-day suspension of all broadcasts by Somoy TV following a petition filed by Shampa Rahman, a contested director of Somoy Media Ltd., citing the need to protect the broadcaster’s editorial independence.
The suspension order, which is being challenged in court, has raised serious concerns about media freedom in the country, the IFJ said in a statement.
The IFJ, along with its affiliate the Bangladesh Manobadhikar Sangbadik Forum (BMSF), expressed profound concern over these developments, highlighting the dangers these actions pose to the media’s role as a pillar of democracy. The organizations called for the immediate arrest of those involved in the attack and for a reconsideration of the suspension order against Somoy TV.
In the statement, the IFJ emphasized the urgent need for the interim government to ensure the safety of all media workers in Bangladesh and to take decisive action to protect press freedom during these turbulent times.
Bd pratidin English/Lutful Hoque
