The Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has expressed deep concern over the rising incidents of attacks and murders targeting journalists carrying out their professional duties.
| Issue | Details |
| Organisation | Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) |
| Date of Statement | Saturday, 9 August |
| DRU Leadership | Abu Saleh Akon (President), Mainul Hasan Sohel (General Secretary) |
| Main Concerns | Attacks, false cases, torture, and killings of journalists increasing since interim government took office in August 2024 |
| Recent Incident | Brutal murder of journalist Md. Asaduzzaman Tuhin in Gazipur |
| Impact | Violation of press freedom and freedom of expression |
| Unresolved Cases | Murder cases of Sagar Sarwar and Meherun Runi remain unresolved |
| Reasons for Increased Violence | Lack of punishment for perpetrators and inadequate security |
| Call to Action | Demand for the immediate formation of a separate judicial commission for journalist murder cases |
| Additional Information | The investigation report of Sagar-Meherun murder case has been postponed 113 times since 11 February 2012; next hearing on 15 October |
In a statement issued on Saturday (9 August), DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel emphasised that, despite the interim government assuming power in August 2024, journalists’ security remains unsecured.
They highlighted a worrying rise in attacks, false lawsuits, torture, and killings targeting members of the press. The recent brutal murder of journalist Md. Asaduzzaman Tuhin in Gazipur represents not only a loss to one individual but also a grievous blow to freedom of expression and journalistic independence.
The DRU leaders further pointed out that justice has yet to be served in high-profile cases such as the killings of journalists Sagar Sarwar and Meherun Runi. The continued impunity of the perpetrators and the lack of adequate security have contributed to a surge in attacks, placing the freedom of the media and democracy itself in jeopardy.
In response, the organisation urged the government to establish a dedicated judicial commission to promptly investigate and adjudicate cases of journalist murders.
It is worth noting that since 11 February 2012, the investigation report into the murder of journalist couple Sagar Sarwar and Meherun Runi has faced 113 postponements, with the next hearing scheduled for 15 October.
