By Uzma Ehtasham
KARACHI: The Karachi Press Club has expressed profound concern and strongly condemned a growing wave of violent attacks, vandalism and arson targeting major media organizations in Bangladesh, including the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. It has also voiced serious alarm over the reported harassment of senior journalist and editor of New Age, Nurul Kabir.
The KPC said it was deeply troubled by reports that since the transition to an interim government, more than 100 journalists have been detained on serious charges without due process. The detention of journalists without trial, it said, creates a climate of fear and silences the essential voice of the public. The club demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all journalists currently in custody.
A free, independent and courageous press is the foundation of any democratic society, the statement said. Efforts to silence the media through physical violence, legal intimidation or harassment are clear violations of fundamental human rights, the constitutional right to freedom of expression and the principles of the rule of law.
Expressing solidarity with journalists in Bangladesh, the Karachi Press Club called on the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of media workers and to carry out transparent and impartial investigations into the attacks. Those responsible must be held accountable to prevent further erosion of democratic values in the region.
