Fact in Brief (According to information received from JMBF reliable sources and reports published in different news media in Bangladesh)
On March 16, 2025, Md Rafiqul Islam Bepari filed a case with the Paltan Police Station in Dhaka against 165 individuals, including eight journalists, in connection with their alleged involvement in the mass killing of protesters during the July uprising.
The accused journalists are Ayub Bhuiyan, General Secretary of the Jatiya Press Club; Santosh Sharma, Editor of the daily Kalbela; Shariful Islam Mollah, Managing Editor of Samakal; Saiful Islam, former President of Dhaka Reporters Unity and former Chief Editor of Boishakhi TV; Julfiqar Ali Manik, former Planning Editor of Boishakhi TV; Motahar Hossain of Climate Journal Online; Asaduzzaman of Samakal; and Hira Talukder, former reporter of Shomoyer Alo.
The plaintiff alleged that, on July 19, the accused attacked the protesters in the capital’s Kakrail area. The coordinated shooting and attacks resulted in the death of Saiful and left many others injured. The accused played a role in the violent attacks that led to the deaths and injuries of several individuals, including the plaintiff's cousin, Saiful Islam, who was among those killed.
JMBF asserts that the accused journalists – Ayub Bhuiyan, Santosh Sharma, Shariful Islam Mollah, Saiful Islam, Julfiqar Ali Manik, Motahar Hossain, Asaduzzaman, and Hira Talukder – have long been respected for their dedication to truth, integrity, and tireless efforts in upholding the values of journalism. Targeting these journalists in such a manner not only undermines the core principles of democracy but also poses a grave threat to the freedom of the press in Bangladesh.
JMBF believes that the allegations against these individuals are unfounded, deeply troubling, and appear to be a direct attempt to manipulate the legal system for political gain. This case seems designed to distract from the real issues at hand and shift the focus away from holding accountable those who are truly responsible for the violence and loss of life during the July protests.
JMBF urges the Bangladeshi authorities to:
Immediately drop all charges against the eight journalists, who have been unjustly implicated in this case.
Ensure an impartial and transparent investigation into the events of the July uprising, focusing on those responsible for the violence, rather than targeting individuals exercising their constitutional right to free speech.
Uphold the freedom of the press as a cornerstone of democratic governance, and refrain from actions that may intimidate or silence journalists who play a vital role in informing the public and holding power to account.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) is closely monitoring the situation and stands in solidarity with the journalists who are being unjustly targeted. We call on the Bangladeshi government to respect human rights and ensure that justice is served. Any attempt to silence dissent through legal persecution or intimidation must be met with unequivocal opposition, both domestically and globally.
JMBF calls on all democratic forces, human rights organizations, and the global media to unite against this attack on the free press and stand for justice.
Entirely false, fabricated and baseless case filed against eminent journalists. The complaint Rafiqul Islam Bepari himself confessed to reporters that he didn't file complain against any journalist. It is a clear step to stop free speech by Yunus govt.
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