CPJ calls for probe into threats of violence against media outlets
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called for a swift investigation into the threats of violence against the staff of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star newspapers.
In a post on X today (26 November), the CPJ also demanded a probe into the vandalisation of the Prothom Alo office in Rajshahi yesterday.
"While peaceful protest must be protected, journalists must not face violence and intimidation for their work," reads the post.
The statement came against the backdrop of five people being detained on 24 November after the police removed protesters who were attempting to hold a mass feast in front of the Bangla daily Prothom Alo's office in the capital's Karwan Bazar area.
A group of people, comprising teachers and students of various Islamic institutes, had gathered in front of the office in the afternoon to protest what they called the newspaper leaning towards Indian hegemony.
Earlier, a protest programme was held on Thursday under the same banner.
The following day, a protest over a similar accusation was held in front of English newspaper The Daily Star's office.
There it was announced that cows would be slaughtered and a feast would be held in front of both the newspapers' offices.