The Media Freedom Coalition has condemned attacks on journalists, editors, and media houses in Bangladesh, describing such acts of violence and intimidation as unacceptable and a direct assault on press freedom and the public’s right to be informed.
The statement was released by the coalition’s diplomatic network in Bangladesh on Friday.
Established in 2019, the Media Freedom Coalition is a partnership-based organisation that works to ensure press freedom both within countries and internationally. It has members from over 50 countries across six continents. In its latest statement, the coalition’s signatories included Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Ireland, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Although the United States is a member, it did not sign the statement.
The statement called for the safety of all media professionals and urged a swift and impartial investigation to hold those responsible accountable. “Journalists must be able to carry out their work without fear. Protecting them is essential to uphold the rule of law, democratic values, and an open, informed society,” it said.
