South Asia Media Groups Express Solidarity with Journalists, Condemn Attacks on Bangladesh and Nepal Media
Across South Asia, press freedom is under renewed and dangerous attack. This joint statement condemns the violent assaults on journalists and media institutions in Bangladesh and Nepal.
The Southasia Peace Action Network (Sapan), the South Asia Media Defenders Network (SAMDEN), Sapan News , Rural Media Network Pakistan, and others strongly condemn the attacks, vandalism and arson in Dhaka, Bangladesh, that targeted the offices of the Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, and the physical assault on the President of the Editors Council and veteran journalist and Editor of New Age Nurul Kabir.
We appreciate the statements from the Press Club of India and the Karachi Press Club expressing deep concern and strong condemnation of the violence.
It is disturbing to hear that more than 100 journalists in Bangladesh have been detained and remain behind bars without trial. We demand their immediate and unconditional release.
(Also, read this timely and important piece, published in ‘The Daily Star’: When mobs decide who can speak, what happens to democracy? )
Just three months ago, media houses in Nepal came under similar fire, including mob attacks on the Kantipur Group buildings, the Annapurna Post, and Image TV. Journalists from various media groups were attacked physically and virtually. Even earlier, a young photojournalist, Suresh Rajak of Avenews TV, died in an arson attack on March 28, 2025, while reporting from a building in Tinkune, Kathmandu. The perpetrators remain unidentified and unaccountable.
Violence, intimidation, attacks or harassment aimed at silencing the media are unacceptable and violate the right to media freedom, the constitutional right to freedom of expression, and the rule of law.
We call upon the governments concerned to ensure that perpetrators are identified and brought to justice through a fair, impartial and speedy investigation into the incidents of arson, violence and intimidation.
The statement has been endorsed by media professionals and concerned citizens around the region. - Sapan
