IFJ, SAMSN demand release of photojournalist Shahidul Alam in Bangladesh

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published: 9 August 2018

The IFJ and SAMSN called for the release of photojournalist Shahidul Alam after his arrest amidst protests in Bangladesh. They emphasized the need for press freedom and the protection of journalists.

Summary

In a letter to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the South Asia Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN) and several journalist organizations in South Asia demanded an end to the media crackdown that has accompanied protests in Bangladesh this week.

The joint letter to Prime Minister Hasina called the arrest and detention on Sunday, August 5, of renowned photojournalist Shahidul Alam an attempt to suppress the dissenting and critical voices in Bangladesh and therefore a misuse of the legal authority.

Alam was arrested by police officers in plain clothes who stormed his apartment in Dhanmondi, Dhaka on Sunday, August 5, forcibly detaining and removing him from the apartment. Alam’s arrest followed a ‘live post’ on his Facebook, in which he narrated attacks on protesters in Dhaka. Earlier that day, Alam had also criticized the Bangladeshi government over the treatment of protesters on Al Jazeera TV. On August 6, he was remanded for seven days.

In the letter, the IFJ and SAMSN expressed serious concerns over several attacks on the media covering the students’ demonstrations by masked men on the streets of Dhaka on August 4 and 5. More than a dozen journalists were attacked by unidentified men in helmets carrying sticks and metal rods when they were covering the agitation by thousands of students calling for safer roads.

E xpressing solidarity with media colleagues in Bangladesh in their struggle for their rights and freedom, the organizations demanded Prime Minister Hasina immediately and unconditionally release photojournalist Shahidul Alam; mobilize the security agencies to ensure safety and security to journalists; investigate and arrest those responsible for attacks on journalists; and respect press freedom and freedom of expression of the Bangladeshi citizens.

The IFJ said: “The IFJ condemns the arrest, detention and alleged torture of photojournalist Shahidul Alam; and targeted attacks on journalists in Bangladesh. The circumstances under which Alam was arrested and the charges against him show the extent to which the Government of Bangladesh will go to in silencing prominent voices. The attacks on journalists are a violation of press freedom. The IFJ urges the Bangladeshi government to immediately release Alam and step up to stop attacks on journalists.” - IFJ media release/Photo: AFP

KEY POINTS:

• Shahidul Alam was arrested on August 5 by police in Dhaka.
• His arrest followed critical comments about government actions on social media.
• The IFJ condemned the crackdown on media and called for Alam's release.
• Several journalists were attacked during the protests in Dhaka.
• The IFJ urged the Bangladeshi government to ensure journalist safety and investigate attacks.