TIB seeks fair investigation into murder of journalist Golam Rabbani
Staff Reporter :
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed deep concern over the continued attacks, cases, and persecution faced by journalists who dare to expose irregularities and corruption of the powerful quarters.
The organisation in a press release on Friday has highlighted that such incidents have become a norm in the country, where the perpetrators enjoy impunity under the patronisation of the power.
In the wake of the recent heinous murder of journalist Golam Rabbani, TIB has called upon the government to fairly investigate the incident and to ensure exemplary punishment of the perpetrators.
Demanding the protection of journalists, TIB has also urged the government to set an example of its willingness to protect journalists and create an environment where they can carry out their work without fear of harassment and brutal killings.
According to journalist Golam Rabbani’s family, it is known that after publishing news, a public representative of Sadhurpara Union Parishad in Bakshiganj Upazila made various attempts to harass him.
Furthermore, the same public representative’s men have brutally tortured and murdered him upon his return home by performing his professional duties. It has also been reported in various news outlets that on April 11, a local Jubo League leader was also involved in the beating of Golam Rabbani, TIB observed.
According to TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, “It has become regular incident whenever any journalist publish news on abuse of power, corruption, irregularities and injustice, they face organised attacks, harassment, abduction and even killing by the concerned powerful elites and their cohorts.”
“Deficit of success, indifference and, in some cases, tacit support for the perpetrators by the administration and law enforcement authorities to counter various attacks, cases and persecution against journalists in recent times have made the attackers desperate, as evidenced by the murder of journalist Golam Rabbani,” he pointed out.
“This assassination proves to what extent those in power at the national and local levels are emboldened to hide their wrongdoing and injustice. Furthermore, the environment has been created where anyone involved in journalist persecution, either directly or indirectly with the power, will enjoy impunity.
If the government has genuine intention to resolve this crisis of press freedom, it must ensure exemplary punishment for those directly involved, as well as those who gave instructions, supported, and protected the perpetrators responsible for the murder of journalist Golam Rabbani,” he said.
Mentioning that in the World Press Index 2023, Bangladesh has slid on step compare to the previous year, ranking 163 out of 180 countries, Iftekharuzzman said, “The index determines the position of each country based on various factors, one of which is the safety of journalists. Unfortunately, Bangladesh’s score in this regard is disappointing.
The index highlights the frequent incidents of journalist harassment, which reflect the state of press freedom and journalist safety in Bangladesh. It is now widely believed that journalists can be harassed or even killed without facing any consequences or penalties.”
Starting from the Sagar-Runi murder case to the recent killing of journalist Gholam Rabbani in Jamalpur, such beliefs have been established, creating an environment where the voice of the media can be suppressed, he said adding that this perception is not without basis, as there is a lack of proper investigation and accountability for attacks on journalists, even in cases of harassment and murder.
“The government bears the responsibility for rectifying this situation. The Digital Security Act, which serves as a weapon against the freedom of the press, should be repealed without delay. It is essential to ensure thorough investigations into the killings and harassment of journalists, and impose exemplary punishments on the culprits,” he said.
In addition, TIB has reminded the government’s responsibility in implementing the eight recommendations that were supported during the third Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of the United Nations in 2018. The implementation of these recommendations is crucial for ensuring the safety and protection of journalists in Bangladesh.
