Dhaka:Five months have passed since several members of the Dhaka University Journalists' Association (DUJA) were allegedly assaulted by Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) leaders and activists inside Shahbagh Police Station. Despite the gravity of the situation, the Dhaka University administration has yet to release its investigation report on the incident.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the attack occurred on April 23, amidst rising tensions between Dhaka University unit JCD activists and Chhatra Shibir members at Shahbagh Police Station. At least 10 DUJA members were reportedly assaulted while covering the unfolding events. The university administration promptly formed a six-member investigation committee on the night of the incident, instructing it to submit a report within three working days. However, as of now, the findings have not been made public.
This delay has sparked concerns among the allegedly assaulted journalists regarding the university administration's handling of the incident and its commitment to ensuring accountability. DU Proctor Israfil Ratan mentioned the need to discuss the situation further with the probe committee before commenting on its progress, highlighting the involvement of multiple groups and the necessity to consider potential consequences before reaching a conclusion.
The incident was triggered by a screenshot of a derogatory Facebook post, allegedly from a Shibir activist's account, targeting BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and his daughter Zaima Rahman. On April 23, JCD activists visited Shahbagh Police Station regarding the matter, while several Shibir activists and Dhaka University Central Students' Union (DUCSU) representatives also went there to file a general diary. Tensions escalated, leading to physical confrontations, during which DUJA members covering the incident claimed they were attacked by JCD activists.
In response, DUJA demanded the immediate identification and disciplinary action against those involved. The association also called for legal and administrative measures to safeguard journalists' safety in the future.