‘Bangladeshi journalists must remain united, be aware of their rights’

As the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists approaches, concern for the safety of journalists in the challenging profession grows worldwide.

Bangladesh was ranked 10th among 13 of world’s worst impunity offenders, according to Committee to Protect Journalists’ (CPJ) 2019 Global Impunity Index.

November 2 marks the 2009 Ampatuan massacre, the single deadliest attack against journalists in recent history, in which 57 individuals were murdered, including 32 journalists and media workers in Philippines.

In 2013, two French journalists, Claude Verlon and Ghislaine Dupont, were abducted and killed shortly after interviewing a local political leader in Mali on the same date.

The 70th plenary meeting of the UN General Assembly proclaimed November 2 as the 'International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists' in December 2013, urging member states to implement definite measures to counter the culture of impunity.

Bangladesh, as a member state, vows to deliver justice.

Somalia, Syria, and Iraq are the top three countries in the 2019 Global Impunity Index. In Asia Philippines is at 5, Afghanistan at 6, Pakistan at 8, and India at 13. South Sudan, Brazil and Nigeria are three other countries among the worst 13.

Bangladesh sits on its unchanged position from last year.

According to various international surveys, at least 23 journalists were killed in from 2001 to 2016. The CPJ analysis shows some 30 journalists and media personnel were killed between 1992 and 2019.

Very few cases have been resolved. For example, the 2012 murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi remains unsolved. The law enforcement agencies are yet to complete investigation while the date for submitting report has been postponed more than 60 times.

On September 23 this year, three men were sentenced to life imprisonment for killing journalist Junaid Ahmad in Nabiganj upazila of Habiganj.

This is the second verdict delivered after November 30, 2016 when a tribunal sentenced nine men to life imprisonment for killing journalist Manik Saha in Khulna in 2004.

The murder of Priyo.com journalist Ihsan Ibn Reza Fagun on May 21 this year shocked the journalist community.

Journalists here are also subjected to threats, harassments and physical violence. A survey carried out by Reporters Without Borders in December last year put Bangladesh at 146th among 180 countries – and the worst in South Asia.

Robaet Ferdous, Associate Professor of Dhaka University’s mass communication and journalism department, thinks the government is not ‘serious’ about delivering justice.

“It’s not serious at all. Journalists are facing pressures from all sides. Apart from unsafe work atmosphere, the job security is declining ... many are getting sacked without any notice. Income of the media houses are declining,” he said, adding that the government is ‘not journalist-friendly’.

He said multiple factions and lack of unity among journalists have worsened the situation. “Bangladeshi journalists must unite and persuade the authorities concerned to ensure a safer work environment,” he added.

Experts, veteran journalists and human rights workers say the culprits must be brought to justice and face immediate action.

According to CPJ estimates, in 2019 a total of 35 journalists and media workers have been killed worldwide till October. Study of the New York-based organisation revealed that 318 journalists were killed within past 10 years globally.

Around 223 people responsible for most of those cases went unpunished, according to the report.

Chairperson of DU mass communication and journalism department Kaberi Gayen said the government efforts should be more sincere.

"Little justice is being done to the journalists. The crimes committed against them are going unpunished and that's why many talented journalists are quitting the profession," she told UNB.

She mentioned that the journalists have to be united.

"Justice for journalists should be ensured. That way, there will be a positive impression of Bangladesh worldwide as media is a key democratic institution," she added.

General secretary of Jatiya Press Club Farida Yasmin told UNB that no murder should go unpunished. "Most of the cases of journalist murder and torture are still pending. We demand justice," she said.

She noted that journalism, in a way, is a profession of public service. "Journalists work for the public and the democracy as well ... crimes committed against them are totally unacceptable," she said.

She mentioned that journalists are raising voice against injustice although no solution was in sight.

"Journalists must always stay united and be aware of their rights," she said.