TIB Demands Immediate Investigation Into Armed Attack on Journalists in Khulna

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Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has condemned the recent shooting attack on journalists in Khulna, characterizing the incident as a direct assault on the freedom of the press. In a formal statement issued Wednesday, the organization’s executive director, Iftekharuzzaman, demanded an immediate, impartial investigation to identify those responsible and ensure they face exemplary punishment.

While the specific motivation behind the attack—and whether it was intended to silence a particular reporter or suppress a specific investigative report—remains unclear, TIB emphasized that the use of armed force against media personnel constitutes an undeniable violation of journalistic independence and the right to freedom of expression. Iftekharuzzaman stressed that the investigation must proceed without external influence or delay, focusing on the identification of not only the shooters but also the planners and those who ordered the assault.

TIB further cautioned that filing a police report is insufficient on its own. The organization asserted that a thorough inquiry is required to determine the underlying purpose of the attack and its potential connection to the victims’ professional activities. Without such a transparent process, TIB warned, this incident risks being relegated to the growing list of unresolved cases characterized by a culture of impunity.

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The organization also expressed profound concern regarding reports that the victims initially hesitated to pursue legal action. Iftekharuzzaman identified this reluctance as a troubling symptom of the fear and insecurity pervading the media landscape, fueled by the threat of retaliatory violence. He maintained that a climate where victims are too afraid to seek justice is incompatible with a free and secure press, urging authorities to move beyond rhetoric to guarantee the physical safety of journalists and the integrity of the judicial process.