Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) expresses grave concern over the physical assault of two journalists on 19 August 2015.

According to media reports, employees of National Identity (NID) and Registration Wing physically assaulted two journalists of the private television- ‘Channel 24’ at National Identity and Registration office premises while the journalists were preparing a news report on public suffering for changing information in NID card or getting a new copy . Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) strongly condemns such assault on journalists on duty.

The Journalists were interviewing people at National Identity and Registration wing and their presence came into question by the officials of that office. At one stage, they snatched away the camera and both of the Journalists were beaten by the staff at Project Deputy Director’s room. In another incident, some miscreants have abducted and beaten Journalist Jahidul Kabir Milton, Joint Secretary at Jessore Press Club and later on dropped him to the District Registration office on 19 August 2015 afternoon.  He is under medical treatment at Jessore Medical College Hospital.

We believe, such incidents are blatant attack on media freedom as well as freedom of expression. It is noteworthy that ASK always urged to take effective measures to create an environment so that Journalists can exercise freedom in discharging their professional duty. We fear that if such incidents continue, then the environment for freedom of expression will deteriorate in the country.

We urge the government to take effective and appropriate measures immediately.