UNESCO Director-General condemns the killing of journalists in Bangladesh

I condemn the killing of Hasan Mehedi and call for an investigation into the circumstances of this killing. Journalists covering events of public interest provide critical information to the population and must do so without fearing for their safety. I call on authorities to hold those responsible to account.

I condemn the killing of Abu Taher Turab and call for an investigation into the circumstances of this killing. Journalists covering events of public interest provide critical information to the population and must do so without fearing for their safety. I call on authorities to hold those responsible to account.

I condemn the killing of Shakil Hossain and call for an investigation into the circumstances of this killing. Journalists covering events of public interest provide critical information to the population and must do so without fearing for their safety. I call on authorities to hold those responsible to account.

Hasan Mehedi was a journalist for a local media outlet, the Dhaka Times. He was reportedly shot and killed while covering protests in the capital city of Dhaka, during which multiple other journalists were also reportedly injured.

Shakil Hossain was a correspondent for Bhorer Awajnewspaper. He was reportedly killed while covering protests in Bangladesh's central Gazipur city.

Abu Taher Turab was a journalist for the Daily Jalalabadand Daily Naya Digantanewspapers. He was reportedly fatally shot while covering protests in Sylhet. He is the third journalist killed in Bangladesh so far this month.

UNESCO promotes the safety of journaliststhrough global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the UN Plan of Actionon the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. UNESCO has previously shone a light on the increasing risks to the safety of journalists covering protests through two Issue Briefs in 2020and in 2021.