Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has condemned the gunfire at journalists in Khulna early today (15 July) and called for a swift investigation to identify those responsible and take action against them.
In a statement issued today, the rights organisation said it was deeply concerned over reports that journalists came under fire near the United Nations Shishu Park area in Khulna city.
Citing media reports, ASK said the incident occurred when several journalists were sitting together after completing their professional duties.
Armed individuals arriving on a motorcycle opened fire at them, leaving a journalist injured by bullet fragments, it added.
ASK also said such attacks are not only a threat to individuals' lives and safety but also an attack on freedom of expression, press freedom and people's right to information.
It added that attempts to intimidate journalists or obstruct their professional duties through violence go against democratic values and human rights.
Ensuring journalists' safety and allowing them to work in a fear-free environment are part of the state's constitutional and international human rights obligations, the statement mentioned.
Referring to Article 39 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression and press freedom, ASK said ensuring journalists' security is essential to upholding those rights.
It further referred to Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which requires states to take effective measures to protect freedom of expression.
The rights organisation called for a fair and impartial investigation into the incident, urging authorities to identify those responsible and ensure they face legal action.
It also called on the authorities to take necessary steps to ensure journalists' safety and prevent similar incidents in the future.
Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) / Journalist attack / Khulna / Bangladesh
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