A U.S.-based human rights group has called on Bangladesh to investigate recent violent attacks against the country's journalists by supporters of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party.
Human Rights Watch says the May 29th attacks in the western town of Kushtia and slow government response reflect an intimidating atmosphere for journalists in Bangladesh. The group's Asia deputy director, Sophie Richardson, said the government in Dhaka must show that it will not tolerate attacks on the press from ruling party supporters or anyone else. She added failing to investigate and prosecute those responsible could encourage similar attacks.
No arrests have been made. During the May 29th attack, supporters of the ruling party used stones and sticks to attack a peaceful protest by journalists, injuring 19 people, including the chief editor of the Bangladesh Observer newspaper.