Amnesty: Bangladesh authorities must investigate attacks on journalists, activists

Bangladesh’s authorities must investigate the ongoing violent attacks on journalists and activists ahead of the country’s 11th parliamentary elections slated for Sunday, December 30, and immediately release those activists who have been arrested arbitrarily, Amnesty International said on Friday.

In a statement condemning the recent attack on journalists and activists, Amnesty International’s South Asia Campaigner Saad Hammadi said: “The authorities must impartially investigate these attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice. Such incidents are detrimental to a peaceful atmosphere for people to exercise their civil and political rights.”

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“The attacks are deeply concerning. Bangladesh’s authorities must protect the right to freedom of expression and association. The authorities must also protect the rights of people as contained in Bangladesh's constitution as well as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and other international standards, which Bangladesh has agreed to follow,” he added.

At least 12 journalists on duty to cover the elections at a Dhaka constituency came under attack and 16 vehicles carrying them were damaged by a group of 30-35 attackers on December 24. The guest house where the journalists were resting also came under attack, the statement said.