Editors' Council condemns attack on journos

The Editors' Council on Thursday strongly condemned the attack and harassment of journalists while they were performing their professional duties during a programme organised by Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami's Dhaka South unit in the capital's Dhanmondi area on Tuesday.
In a statement, the council said the incident took place after the political programme had ended, when journalists were carrying out their professional duties.
Although the party described the incident as a "misunderstanding" and  announced an investigation, the Editors' Council said there could be no justification for attacking journalists performing their duties.
It said such incidents undermine press freedom, the right to gather news and freedom of expression, stressing that journalists must be able to work without fear, intimidation or obstruction.
The platform for newspaper editors called for a swift, impartial and credible investigation to identify those responsible and bring them to justice through exemplary punishment.
It also urged the authorities concerned to ensure a safe and secure environment for journalists so they can carry out their professional duties freely and without fear.
The statement was signed by Editors' Council President Nurul Kabir and issued by its General Secretary, Dewan Hanif Mahmud, on behalf of the organisation.
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