The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists has strongly condemned a wave of violence, arson and vandalism directed at media houses in Bangladesh during recent protests, calling the attacks a serious assault on press freedom.
In a joint statement, PFUJ President Afzal Butt and Secretary General Arshad Ansari said attempts to silence journalists through intimidation and force violate constitutional guarantees of free expression and undermine the rule of law.
The condemnation follows unrest that erupted after the death of Sharif Osman Hadi, a prominent figure in last year’s student-led movement that ended the long rule of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Hadi was shot in Dhaka on December 16 while campaigning for elections scheduled in February and later died in Singapore.
In the aftermath of his death, protests turned violent, with several buildings set ablaze or vandalised, including offices housing leading newspapers Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. Protesters accused the publications of facilitating Hadi’s killing, allegations the newspapers rejected.
The PFUJ also condemned what it described as targeted attacks on journalists, including the physical assault on Nurul Kabir, editor of New Age and president of the Editors’ Council of Bangladesh. It expressed alarm over reports that more than 100 journalists remain detained without trial and demanded their immediate and unconditional release.
The statement further warned of a troubling regional pattern, citing similar incidents in Nepal where media organisations such as Kantipur Group, Annapurna Post and Image TV were attacked by mobs. The PFUJ paid tribute to photojournalist Suresh Rajak of Avenews TV, who died in an arson attack in Kathmandu in March 2025.
Noting that those responsible for such crimes often escape accountability, the PFUJ urged concerned governments to conduct impartial and swift investigations, bring perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety of journalists carrying out their professional duties. It concluded that violence and harassment aimed at silencing the media have no place in a democratic society.
