Bangladesh: 370 journalists condemn DUJA attack, demand BNP student wing accountability
Synopsis
A mob of 150–200 people, allegedly linked to BNP's student wing JCD, attacked journalists covering a sensitive story at Shahbagh Police Station in Dhaka — injuring at least 10 and triggering a nationwide outcry from 370 campus journalists who warn the assault is part of a broader pattern of press suppression in Bangladesh.
Key Takeaways
370 campus journalists across Bangladesh issued a joint condemnation on 30 April 2025 over the attack on DUJA members.
The assault allegedly involved a mob of 150–200 people linked to Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) , the student wing of the BNP .
At least 10 journalists were reportedly injured during the incident at Shahbagh Police Station , Dhaka.
The attack was triggered by the circulation of a doctored social media screenshot containing remarks about Zaima Rahman , daughter of PM Tarique Rahman .
Journalists have demanded swift arrest of perpetrators, strict action by Dhaka University administration, and an impartial probe into alleged law enforcement negligence.
At least 370 campus journalists across Bangladesh have strongly condemned the recent assault on members of the Dhaka University Journalists' Association (DUJA), demanding exemplary punishment for the perpetrators, according to local media reports. The joint statement, issued on Wednesday, 30 April, follows a violent confrontation allegedly carried out by members of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)'s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), that left as many as 10 journalists injured.
How the Attack Unfolded
The incident reportedly erupted at Shahbagh Police Station in Dhaka after the circulation of a doctored screenshot of a social media post containing offensive remarks about Zaima Rahman, daughter of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. According to DUJA, its members were present at the station to cover tensions arising from the viral post when they came under attack.
The organisation alleged that Chhatra Dal leaders first obstructed the journalists, after which a mob of approximately 150 to 200 individuals attacked them. The incident was reported by a leading Bangladeshi daily, The Dhaka Tribune.
What the Joint Statement Said
In their collective statement, the 370 signatories described the assault as not merely a physical attack on individuals but a direct assault on independent journalism and democratic values.
Point of View
Which raises questions about institutional complicity. The circulation of a doctored screenshot as the trigger also points to how disinformation is increasingly being weaponised to justify violence against journalists. If the government fails to act swiftly and transparently, the international community's scrutiny of Bangladesh's democratic credentials will only intensify.
NationPress
1 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DUJA attack in Bangladesh?
The DUJA attack refers to an assault on members of the Dhaka University Journalists' Association at Shahbagh Police Station in Dhaka. A mob of approximately 150 to 200 people, allegedly linked to the BNP's student wing Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, attacked journalists who were covering tensions related to a doctored social media post, injuring at least 10 reporters.
Who allegedly carried out the attack on DUJA journalists?
According to DUJA and reports by The Dhaka Tribune, leaders and workers of Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD), the student wing of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), allegedly obstructed and then attacked the journalists. The organisation has called for their immediate arrest and exemplary punishment.
Why did the attack on DUJA journalists happen?
The incident reportedly broke out following the circulation of a doctored screenshot of a social media post containing offensive remarks about Zaima Rahman, daughter of Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. Journalists were at Shahbagh Police Station to cover the resulting tensions when the attack occurred.
What are journalists demanding after the DUJA attack?
A joint statement signed by 370 campus journalists calls for the swift identification, arrest, and exemplary punishment of the attackers. They are also urging the Dhaka University administration to take strict action against accused students and demanding an impartial government probe into alleged law enforcement negligence during the incident.
What does the DUJA attack mean for press freedom in Bangladesh?
The signatories of the joint statement described the assault as part of a broader pattern of attacks, harassment, and intimidation against journalists in Bangladesh. They warned that recurring incidents of this nature raise serious concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists, and that silencing the media ultimately undermines democracy.
