TIB condemns attack on journalists at RU, urges BNP and Jamaat to rein in student wings

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has condemned the armed attack and death threats against journalists at Rajshahi University (RU), calling for those responsible to be held accountable regardless of their political affiliation or influence.

In a statement issued today (5 October), TIB also urged the leadership of ruling BNP and opposition Jamaat-e-Islami to take effective measures to reform and discipline their parties and affiliated organisations to end violent struggles for dominance.

According to media reports, at least 10 people, including four journalists, were injured in an attack allegedly carried out by Bangladesh Chhatra Dal leaders and activists at RU last night (4 October). The university proctor admitted to the administration’s failure, while police reportedly fled the scene out of fear.

The university administration formed a five-member investigation committee and filed a case today, while Chhatra Dal also formed an internal investigation committee.

Journalists have demanded the arrest of those involved and the resignation of relevant university officials.

TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said those responsible for the attack, as well as their accomplices and patrons, must face exemplary accountability through an impartial investigation regardless of their political identity or influence.

“Justice must be ensured for the journalists and students who were attacked,” he said, adding that injured people must receive proper treatment and the safety of journalists and students must be ensured.

He also called for police accountability and an investigation into why law enforcement failed to perform its duties.

“Attacks on journalists undermine people’s right to information and restrict opportunities to hold those in power accountable,” Dr Zaman said, stressing that the state must ensure remedies.

He said the helplessness of the university authorities and the police’s failure to act showed that addressing such power struggles requires more than holding those directly involved accountable.

“Without fundamental reforms and self-correction within political parties, particularly powerful ruling parties, the goals of the July Uprising will remain distant,” he said, warning that fundamental rights, including freedom of the media, expression and dissent, security of life and livelihood, and equal rights for all citizens, would face growing threats.

Dr Zaman also questioned whether the BNP and Jamaat could avoid their political responsibility to control their respective parties and affiliated organisations.

He urged the parties to stop providing shelter and patronage to violence, create an environment conducive to bringing those involved in crimes to justice, and establish democratic practices and accountability in party decisions and conduct.

He said forming investigation committees or taking organisational measures alone should not be used to give the appearance of responsibility.

TIB also said the incident should not be viewed in isolation, linking it to broader institutional weaknesses at universities, including demands for the resignation of vice-chancellors and teachers, violence over influence on campuses, occupation and displays of muscle power.

Dr Zaman said students’ right to seek justice and raise demands peacefully must be protected. At the same time, he said political influence, intimidation or force to secure demands for resignations could not be accepted.

“Universities must be run according to laws and regulations, not through the dominance of political forces,” he said.

TIB called for the causes of the university authorities’ and police’s failures to be identified and responsibility fixed.

It said the government must ensure that political identity does not become a shield for criminal activity and that university administrations and law enforcement agencies can perform their duties free from political influence.