Bangladesh: Outlet attacked as broadcaster suspended

Approximately 70 unidentified assailants attacked the offices of the East West Media Group in Dhaka on August 19, while a director of private broadcaster Somoy TV issued a broadcast suspension petition against his own outlet. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliate, the Bangladesh Manobadhikar Sangbadik Forum (BMSF), strongly condemn the ongoing violence towards journalists and news outlets and urge the Bangladesh interim government to take action to ensure the safety of all media workers.

Protestors march through Dhaka on August 15, 2024. Credit: Luis Tato / AFP

On August 19, a group of at least 70 armed individuals attacked the offices of the East West Media Group Limited (EWMGL) Complex, a conglomerate under Bashundhara Group. The unidentified assailants approached the group's offices between 2:00 and 3:00 pm brandishing hockey sticks and batons and shouting slogans targeting former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

Over ten vehicles parked outside office premises were damaged, with furniture and equipment inside the offices vandalised. According to some reports, a female journalist was also assaulted but sustained no serious injuries. Journalists working at different media outlets in Bangladesh formed a human chain on EWMGL premises on August 20, demanding the arrest of the perpetrators within 48 hours.

That same day, the High Court of Bangladesh ordered the suspension of all broadcasts by Somoy TV for seven days in response to a writ petition filed by Shampa Rahman, the contested director of Somoy Media Ltd. The legal team arguing for the petition argued that the move was to protect the broadcaster's editorial independence. A Supreme Court appeal stay was denied on August 21, with the petition to be heard on August 25.

Rahman was elected to broadcaster leadership in an August 10 board of directors meeting, claiming to replace Managing Director and licensee Ahmed Jobaer. Jobear has denied the legitimacy of the election, stating that as he holds the license he must legally be in charge of Somoy Media Ltd's main operations.

Condemning both incidents, the Bangladesh Manobadhikar Sangbadik Forum (BMSF) expresses profound concern and strong condemnation regarding the suspension of Somoy TV's telecast for a week, ordered by the High Court. BMSF added that such actions set a dangerous precedent, undermining the media's role as a watchdog and a pillar of democracy. Journalists and media organisations must operate without fear of censorship or reprisal to ensure the public's right to know is protected.

The BMSF said: "We urge the authorities to reconsider this decision and to prioritize the protection of media freedom in Bangladesh. BMSF stands in solidarity with Somoy TV and all journalists who are facing unjust constraints on their ability to report freely and fairly."

The IFJ said:"IFJ condemns the brutal attack on East West Media Group and the suspension of Somoy TV. Protests and ongoing unrest in Bangladesh have had a tragic impact on its media community, and demonstrate the strong need for action to protect our colleagues. The IFJ urges the interim government of Bangladesh to provide immediate protections to journalists and uphold press freedom through these challenging times."