IPI urges Bangladesh govt. to stop violence against journalists
Calls to free detained photojournalist Shahidul Alam
The International Press Institute (IPI) has expressed concern to the Bangladesh government over the recent attacks on journalists and the detention of photojournalist Shahidul Alam, and urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to take concrete steps to stop the violence against journalists.
In a letter dated August 8, the organisation, having a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists, expressed concerns on the increasing attacks on the Bangladesh Media and urged that Alam be cleared of all charges and released.
The IPI said the arrest and prosecution of Alam is a clear infringement of the freedom of expression under the international treaties signed by Bangladesh.
The photojournalist has been charged with spreading false propaganda against the government, through Facebook posts and a video he had shared with Al Jazeera, on a student protest demanding safer roads for the public. The charge, the IPI said, is seemingly, a retaliation on Mr Alam for his critical views.
The letter called on Premier Hasina to uphold the constitutional protection for the Press, recalling the pivotal role played by the Media in the country’s struggle for independence.
It said that, on March 25, 1971, the Media broke the news of a genocide carried out by the Pakistani occupation army, to the world, building a strong opinion around the world in support of the Liberation War of Bangladesh.
IPI also expressed its concerns on Bangladesh government’s plan to replace the draconian ICT Act with the Digital Security Act that will restrict journalists from exposing corruption in the country. "The Bill, if approved by Parliament in the current form, will have a serious, oppressive impact, not only on journalists, but also on all citizens of Bangladesh," the letter said.