State of Press Freesom- April, 2009

Attack/ Physical Assault:

On April 2, four upazila correspondents of national newspapers were injured in clashes as a group of Chhatra League activists attacked the Koyra Press Club for publishing reports against them on March 31 in connection with the capturing of shrimp enclosure in Khulna. Sheikh Harunar Rashid, Koyra correspondent of the daily Destiny, Humaon Kobir, Koyra correspondent of the daily Ittefaq, Mostafa Shafiul Islam, correspondent of the daily Inqilab, and Kawser Alam, correspondent of the daily Vorer Dak. The activists had bitten them very severely.

On April 6, four media personnel of Ekushey Television (ETV) were injured when a group of terrors attacked them while carrying out their professional duties at Zorgach bazaar in Chilmari upazila of Kurigram district. The victims are Akhil Podder, Senior Reporter; Staff Reporter Ahmed Hossain Babu, Cameraman Mamun Mollah and Kurigram Correspondent Ataur Rahman Biplob.

On April 6, Chhatra League activist, Joshim due to a simple reason, attacked Sajjad Pervez, Jahangirnagar University correspondent of the daily Dinkal. The incident was happened in front of Mir Mossarraf Hall at 4 pm. Jashim had bitten him very severely.

On April 10, some local terrorist attacked Azizul Haque Mukul, Reporter of the News Agency 'Focus Bangla', at 11 am. Injured was taken to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital. Local people caught that terrorist and handed over to police in Dhanmondi Thana.

On April 12, Abdullah Al Amin Biplob, Gofurgaon correspondent of the daily Samakal, was attacked and bitten very severely by some terrorists. Local people were admitted him to Gofurgaon Upazila Health Complex. According to the local people, at least 10 or 12 terrorists were attacked him.

On April 18, Mizanur Rahman Bulbul, correspondent of Daily Amar Desh, and Mehedi Hasan, correspondent of Daily Destiny, had attacked by some local terrorists of Kotalipara. Attackers also snatched their mobile phone, a camera and come cash money from them. Bulbul and Mehedi filed a General Dairy (GD) with Kotalipara Thana in this connection.

On April 19, some local terrorists about a simple reason attacked Dipok Voumik, Senior Sub-editor of the Daily Destiny. According to the local people, Dipok was going to his residence after finished his professional work. This incident was happened at Fatullah Shibu Market Bus-stand in Narayanganj.

On April 24, Mohammad Al Amin Bhayan, Araihazar correspondent of the daily Destiny, had attacked by a terrorist, Pagla Monir in Pachrukhi village. He filed a case against Monir and informed Senior Inspector. After that police was arrested Monir who is selected local terrorist in this area.

On April 27, M Shaiful Alam Shafi, a Staff reporter of the Bengali daily Probhat, was attacked by some local miscreants in Dumaria upazila headquarters in Khulna. Shafi was admitted to Khulna Medical College Hospital in critical conditions. The attack was carried out as he threatened to file reports on their activities over setting up a club on a Khas land in the area.

On April 29, some local Drug Dealers due to reporting against them attacked Ali Hossain Tito, Rupganj correspondent of the daily Amar desh and S M Nure Alam, correspondent of the daily Bhorer Dak. Firstly they gave threat to those journalists after that they attacked them.

Death Threat/ Threat:

On April 1, an unidentified terrorist gave death threat to Bera upazila correspondent of the daily Inqilab through mobile phone. The victim filed a General Dairy (GD) with Bera police station in this connection.

On April 5, Kaiyum Ahmed Jewel, correspondent of the daily New Nation, was threathened by activists of Islamist militant outfit Hijbut Tauhid for publishing a news story about militant activities of the organization in Patuakhali. He filed a General Dairy (GD) with the Patuakhali sadar police station in this connection. According to the dairy, they also threatened to blow up his residence by bombing.

On April 16, Ataur Rahman Mintu, Press Club Organizer of Gofurgaon and correspondent of the daily Ittefaq, Toffazal Hossain, correspondent of the daily Jugantor, Abdul Salam Sabuj, General Secretary of Gofurgaon Reporters Unity and correspondent of the daily Korotoa, and Ashraful Sijol, correspondent of the daily destiny, were death threatened from some unidentified persons over mobile phone. They filed a General Dairy (GD) with Gofurgaon police station in this connection.

On April 23, Khairul Alam, Kalkini correspondent of the daily Prothom Alo, was given death threat from Khairul Alam Khokon Bepari, Deputy-Secretary of Awami League, for published a report against him and Khokon gave threat over mobile phone. Khairul Alam filed a General Dairy (GD) with Kalkini Thana in this connection.

On April 29, Shamim Pervez Khan, Dhamrai correspondent of the daily Shanbad, was death threatened by some local terrorist for reporting against them. Terrorist were also threatened his family members. For this reason, they are now very afraid of this situation. Shamim filed a general dairy (GD) with Dhamrai Thana in this connection.

On April 29, Sheikh Masudur Rahman, President and Soeyod Muradul Islam, Chief Secretary of Gopalganj Press Club, were threatened from a person name Moulana Shoyeb through mobile phone. He was also threaded to bombing the Press Club building. President and Chief Secretary of the Press Club were filed a separate general dairy (GD) with Gopalganj Police Station in this connection.

Harassment:

On April 27, Bikul Chakroborty, Mulovibazar district correspondent of Ekushey Television (ETV) and Srimongal correspondent of the daily Vorer Kagoj, Kawser Ahmed Rion, ETV Cameraman, Gopal Bordhon, Channel-S Cameraman and Shirajul Islam, correspondent of the weekly Patakuri Desh newspaper, were harassed by some local people at Finley Garden in Srimongal at noon. They were harassed when they were doing their professional job.

On April 28, some Chhatra League activists in Jahangirnagar University, physically assaulted Rezaul Haque, university correspondent of the daily Amar Desh and Emon Rahman, correspondent of the daily Amader Shomoy, when they were collecting some news.

Case/Legal Notice:

On April 2, former Member of Parliament, Moulana Delwer Hossain Sayeedi, send a legal notice to Salma Islam, Editor and Publisher, and Saiful Islam, Sub-editor of the Jugantor. Delwer send legal notice due to published false and defamatory news against him in the daily Jugantor on March 31.

On April 11, former Member of Parliament, Moulana Delwer Hossain Sayeedi, send a legal notice to Mahmudur Rahman Chowdhury, Editor and Soeyod Shahabuddin Ahmed, Publisher of the Bangladesh Today. Delwer said that, they published this report for harassed him. This newspaper published against him on April 8.

On April 22, Lawyer Mohammad Morsheduzzaman, was filed a case against Rahat Khan, Editor of the daily Ittefaq, and including 12 more correspondent of this newspaper for publishing false and defamatory news report. The victims are Saju Hossain, Publisher of the daily Ittefaq; Chief Reporter, Shakil Ahmed; Deputy Chief Reporter, Monir Hayder; and many more.

On April 22, BNP Parliamentary elected candidate and an industrialist Hazi Mujibur Rahman filed a defamatory case against M A Wahid Rulu, Komolgang correspondent of the daily Inqilab and also correspondent of the Shamol Sylhet newspaper.

On April 27, Khulshi Thana OC Anayet Kobir was filed a case against Maksud Ahmed, correspondent of the daily Janakantho for keeping speech in seminer, which is against him.

Others:

On April 22, 15 journalists and five employees of national news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) will get back their jobs as its management withdrew appeals against the High Court judgments that had declared the terminations illegal and ordered reinstating them with all back salaries and allowances. According to the Court course, a four-member Appellate Division bench of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice MM Ruhul Amin, granted the prayers for withdrawal of the appeals moved by BSS lawyers M Assaduzzaman. The journalist who will back their jobs are: Ajit Sarker, Halim Azad, Samir Barua, Ashikunnabi Chowdhury, Shahnaz Begum, Modhusudan Mondal, Afzal Hossain, Kanai Chakraborty, AZM Sarowar Chowdhury, Swapan Basu, Obaidul Gani, Mahfuza Jesmin, Noor-e-Jannat Sima, Bithi Jaman Chowdhury and Abu Nasar.

On April 23, some terrorists were captured Paritosh Chando Shaha's house who is the Leader Journalist of Awami League at Kuliarchor in Kishorganj. He filed a general dairy (GD) with Kuliarchor Police Station in this connection.

On April 27, Golam Sarwer returned as editor to the Bangla-language daily Samakal who was founding editor of the daily. He said, I had to quit midway but I hope to reach that goal with the existing team. He would back to his deputy editor post, said Acting editor Mojammel Hossain.

International:

On April 19, Raxana Saberi, a 31-year-old dual American-Iranian citizen and an American journalist jailed in Iran had been convicted of spying and sentence to eight years in prison. The verdict was the first time Iran has found an American journalist guilty of spying, and it was unclear how the conviction would affect recent overtures.

On April 24, two US journalists accused by North korea of crossing into the country illegally from China and committing 'hostile acts' will be tried on criminals charges, North Korea announced. North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency confirmed their detention and saying indictments were being prepared as an investigation into suspected illegal entry and unspecified 'hostile acts' continued. A dispatch said, the investigation had concluded, and the journalists would stand trial 'on the basis of the confirmed crimes'. It did not say exactly what charges they face or when the trial would take place.

State of Press Freesom- march, 2009

A total 14 journalists in 12 different incidents across the country from March 1 to 31 2009 have been victimized. The research cell of Bangladesh Centre for Development, Journalism and Communication (BCDJC) has recorded the aforesaid data from the newspaper monitoring and field level investigation. During the period three journalists received death threat and threat in three different incidents, nine journalists came under attack in six incidents, a case was filed against a journalist and two were harassed in another two incidents. However, no unnatural death or murder was reported during the period.

Death threat/ Threat:

On March 6, M Sayedur Rahman, Srimangal correspondent of the daily Inquilab, was threatened to death by an unknown terrorist over mobile phone. A General Diary (GD) has been filed with police station in this connection.

On March 6, Bishshojit Moni, Nouga correspondent of the daily Janakantha received death threat from Gubo League activists over mobile phone. Bishshojit published news against Awami League leader Shamsul Alam, Jubo League leader Pijush Kanti and Chhatra league leader Manunuzaman Mamun.

On March 21, Shaikh Mohammad Ratan, district correspondent of the daily Bangladesh Shomoy, was threatened by a smuggler in Munshigang for reporting about smuggling.

Attack/ Physical Assault:

On March 6, a group of unidentified criminals assaulted a journalist in Dhanbari Upazila in Tangail. According to the source, the criminal swooped on Dhanbari Upazila Press Club General Secretary Ansar Ali, also a local Correspondent of The Bangla Bazar patrika, at near Mutsiddhi Bazar at around 6:30 pm while he was returning home. Criminals beat up him very severely and left the scene immediately.

On March 8, SM Mohsin, correspondent of Bangladesh Shanbad Shastha (BSS) was attacked by a Chhatra League activist, Limon. The incident took place while Mohsin was going to collect information about a snatched mobile phone.

On March 9, some terrorists attacked Robiul Hussain, correspondent of the daily Jaijaidin, Mokter Hosain Molla, correspondent of the daily Shitalakhkha in Shonargang. According to the source, some terrorists suddenly attacked them for a simple reason. Injured were admitted to Shonargang health care complex. The Journalists have filed a General Dairy (GD) at Shonargang Thana in this connection.

On March 16, a gang of miscreants assaulted a journalist at Gopalpur Upaila in Tangail. The Police said, some youths led by Md Ibrahim, lecturer of Falda Sihabuddin College in Bhuapur upazila, swooped on Joynal, a local correspondent of the daily Ittefaq when he was returning home.

On March 21, Anis Rahman, senior reporter of the daily Prothom Alo, Masud Ibne Ayub Karjon, staff reporter of the daily Samakal, and Arif Rahman, senior reporter of Bhorer Dak and former General Secretary of CRAB, were attacked by some policemen in the evening. The policemen attacked when they were on duty.

On March 27, five people were injured as a gang of local terrorists attacked journalist Prodip Chowdhury's house at Rajnarayanpur village near Bera Upaila. The injured were admitted to a local upazila health complex. A case was filed against those local terrorists.

On March 29, Saiful Islam Talukder, Dhaka Journalist Union Leader and his wife, were attacked by some local terrorists in Agargaog village at Ashulia in Savar at noon. According to the source, the injured were admitted to a hospital.

Case:

On March 28, Mohammad Shahidullah, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Railway Thana in Voerob, filed a case against a journalist. He filed the case against Kazi Isfaq Ahmed Babu, correspondent of the daily Janakantha. Babu's report went against the OC.

Harassment:

On March 1, Jafar Iqbal, Patharghata correspondent of the daily Shanbad, was harassed and injured by two BRAC officers at Khalifarhat area under Barguna Upazila. The injured was admitted to Patharghata Hospital. Jafar filed a case against them at that night.

On March 16, Shahidul Alam Sentu, Narayangang Photo-journalist of the daily Shitalakhkha, was harassed by Awami League MP, Sarah Begum Kabari for reporting which went against her interest.

International:

On March 22, Anil Majumdar, editor of the Assamese Daily Aji, was gunned down by unidentified gunmen. Majumdar, who had been campaigning for peace talks between the separatist United Liberation Front of Asom (ULFA) with the government, was in his late 40s. The Police detained his driver for questioning.

On March 2, a freelance US journalist was arrested in Iran who has no contact with her family since early February, according to the US media. National Public Radio and Fox News reported that Roxana Saberi (31), who was born in the United States, was arrested in the late January on the charge of buying alcohol.

State of Press Freesom- February, 2009

At least 13 journalists became the victim of arrest, threat, death threat, physical assaults and other harassment during their professional activities in 9 different incidents during the month of February 2009. Off these incidents, five journalists were given death threat, seven injured in several attacks by the miscreants and a newsman was arrested in one case. However, no report of murder or unnatural death was reported during this month.

The research cell of Bangladesh Centre for Development, Journalism and Communication (BCDJC) revealed the findings through monitoring the daily newspapers.

Death threat/ Threat:

On February 6, Pronob Kumar Shaha Apurba, Convener of Shibchor Press Club and Correspondent of the Daily Jaijaidin, was given death threat for publishing report. Corrupted Barek Bapari gave death threat to him entering in Press Club at 5:30 pm on 6 February. Apurba filed a general dairy at Shibchor Thana in this connection.

On February 7, Editor and Publisher of four local newspapers were given life threat for publishing reports against terrorist activities in the district. Sources said a gang of the terrorists led by ringleader Shahjahan went to the offices of the Daily Narsingdir Bani and Daily Uttap, and weeklies Satdiner Kantha and Narsingdir Shanbad in the afternoon. The gang threatened to kill the editors and publishers for publishing report mentioning there involve in land grabbing and other terrorist activities in different areas of the district. The victims filed a General Dairy (GD) with the Narsingdi Model Thana in this connection.

On February 8, Mostafa Moeen, the editor of the Dumur, a paper specialized for art, culture and literature, got death threat over mobile phone. He told the local journalists that he got death threat from Maulana Aminul Islam who is a teacher of the Bihushban Jamiya Arabia Madrasa in Netrokona. He filed a general diary (GD) with Atpara Thana in this connection.

On February 13, Moniruzzaman, a graphics designer of the Daily Amar Desh, was given death threat from terrorist Nur Mohammad Molla and his associate on 13 February. He was threatened due to his protest against anti-social activities of Nur Mohammad Molla. Moniruzzaman put a complain with Jatrabari Thana in this connection.

On February 15, two journalists were threatened to death by mail by local terrorist group in Rupgong. Rasel Ahmed, Organizing Secretary of Rupgong Press Club and Anwar Hossain, Rupgong Correspondent of the Daily Janata, were victims. They filed a general dairy at Rupgong Thana in this connection.

Case/ arrest:

On February 1, a contempt of court petition was filed with the High Court (HC) against Mizanur Rahman, a senior journalist of the Daily Prothom Alo, for publishing a news item titled 'Various events with the bail of Babar' on January 29. Sources said that barrister Rafique-ul Huq, Principal counsel or Lutfuzzaman Babar, filed the petition stating that the report disregarded the administration of justice by the High Court. The HC bench of justice Syed AB Mahmudul Huq and justice Mayeenul Islam Chowdhury may hear the petition.

Attack/ Physical assault:

On February 4, M Mamun Reza (50), Head of the Dolutpur Press Club and the Daily Sangbad Dolutpur correspondent, was attacked by the local Awami League (AL) activists and terrorists at 9 am. The attackers were AL activist Mossarraf Hossain, Alauddin, Sohel Rana, Sujan and also Morjina. This attack happened due to previous enimity.

On February 15, four Dhaka University (DU) correspondents of print media and two photojournalists were injured in an attack by some of the students of DU's Fine Arts Institute. The injured DU journalists were ABC Radio staff correspondent Abdur Rahim Dipu, Arif Hossain of the Daily Sangram, Palash Sarker of the Daily Jaijai Din and Zayedur Rahman Arman of the Daily Dinkal. Two photojournalists, Sohrab Hossain of the Daily Sangbad and Saiful Islam of the Daily Destiny, were also injured and their cameras were damaged by the attackers as they went to take snaps of the attack on four journalists.

International:

On February 3, four journalists were arrested by the Nepal police. Vicrims were Dhamalao (35), terai-based journalist Subak mahato, Manoj Mahato and Virando K M.

On February 11, Rabindra Kumar, Editor, and Ananda Sinha, Publisher of the english daily newspaper `The Statsman' in Calcutta, were arrested from their residence due to criticizing a community's religious feelings. Md Shahin filed a complain in Bonbazar Police Station of Calcutta in this connection.

State of Press Freesom- January, 2009

A total 29 journalists in 12 different incidents across the country from January 1 to 31, 2009 have been victimized. The research cell of Bangladesh Centre for Development, Journalism and Communication (BCDJC) has recorded the aforesaid data from the newspaper monitoring and field level investigation. During the period 12 journalists received death threat or threat in six different incidents, six journalists came under attack in four incidents, two cases were filed against four, six were harassed in two incidents and one journalist was abducted in another incident. However, no unnatural death or murder was reported during the period.

Death threat/ Threat:

On January 1, Abu Saleh Akon, senior reporter of the Daily Naya Diganta, and former Organizing Secretary of Crime Reporters Association (CRAB) was threatened to death due to his failure to give extortion. An unknown person threatened him over the mobile phone (Warid) on 31 December 2008.

On January 1, after National Parliament Election, some Dhaka University correspondents were assaulted. Ashraful Islam Kochi, DU Correspondent, The Daily Shangbad; Riadul Karim, DU Correspondent, The Daily Janakantha; Golam Mortuza Antu, Reporter of BD news; Kamrul Hasan, Reporter of The Daily Destiny and Monjurul Islam, Reporter of Janater Chokh were harassed severely and death threat by Chhatro league activists. The activists ransacked the reporters' room, destroyed their valuable things and threatened them to death.

On January 3, Jahangir Alam Akash, the Rajshahi Correspondent of The daily Shangbad, was threatened to death over mobile phone. An unidentified person threatened him for revenge. He ranged Akash's mobile phone for twice a day. Akash lodged a general dairy no–180 on 4 January 2009 with Rajshahi Boalia Police Station in this connection. In other side, a terrorist organization Huji identified member threatened to kill the president of Lakhkhipur Press Club Hossain Ahmed Helal. A General Dairy (GD) no–165 has been filed at Lakhkhipur Sadar Thana.

On January 18, Shattajit Ghosh, Shoritpur correspondent of the Daily Prothom Alo, has received death threat from mayor of Shoritpur Pouro-Shobha Abdur Rob over mobile. Prothom Alo published the absence of Mayor Abdur Rob and freedom fighters with criticize at Muktijoddha seminar. For this reason, local Krishok League leader Rajjak called Shattajit over phone (01712732501) and also talked with him with slung words. At that time, Abdur Rob has given death threat to him. Shattajit lodged a general dairy with Shoritpur Sadar Thana in this connection.

On January 27, Mostafa Kamal Majumder, editor of the Daily New Nation, has received death threat by sms from an unidentified caller. The caller was making repeated missed calls from the same number (01918645156) since January 23 when the sms was sent. On the following day his car came under attack by some unidentified people near Purabi Cinema Hall in the city when he was returning to his residence at Journalists Residential Area in Mirpur-11 pm. GD no-2204 has lodged with Pallabi Thana in this connection.

On January 27, Shipon Ahmed, Photojournalist of the Daily Janakantho, has received threat by terrorist. Terrorist also misbehaved with Shipon. The incident was happened in the Railget area. Shipon filed case at Narayangonj Sadar Thana in this matter.

Case/ arrest:

On January 7, Chittagang Television Centre of Bangladesh Television (CTV) filed a GD against ETV due to illegal terrestrial telecasting. General Manager of CTV Anwarul Haque Al Kadri filed GD at Dabalmorine Thana at late night on 6 January. Assistant sub-constructor Delwar Hossain said to bdnews24.com that ETV telecasted the new ministry oath program illegally. Government didn’t permit the terrestrial telecast advantage to any private channel except BTV.

On January 19, The High Court (HC) issued a rule upon Nasrin Akhter, a reporter of the weekly Shirsho Kagoj, to explain why punitive measure should not be taken against her for not disclosing the sources of the report titled 'A HC judge whitens blackmoney'. Advocate Manzil Murshid recently submitted an Affidavit to the HC, opposing the HC directive, on behalf of Nasrin Akhter stating that disclosing the sources of any report by any journalist is against the principles of journalism. If the sources of the report are disclosed, the profession will be affected as sources will not provide any further information to reporters and as a result people will be deprived of the right to information, the affidavit said.

Harassment:

On January 1, Chhatro league activists were locked the rooms of three DU (Dhaka University) journalists of three daily newspapers. The victims are the Daily Shangbad University reporter Ashraful Islam Kochi's room no-68 of Haji Md. Muhsin Hall on 1 January, Naya Digonto University reporter Didarul Islam Manik's room no-32 and Shangram reporter Ariful Islam’s room no-51 of S M Hall on 29 Dacember. The Chhatro league activists were also tried to lock other journalists' room.

Attack/ Physical assault:

On January 1, Faisal Islam, a stuff reporter of the Daily Grammer Kogoj, was injured as unidentified miscreants hit him indiscriminately with sharp weapon while he was returning to his residence. Police said, miscreants attack him with sharp weapon as he reached Sujulpur, in the outskirts of the town on his way back home from office. Injured Faisal said that the miscreants snatched his cell phone during the attack and also tried to kill him by hitting indiscriminately centering over news published in his paper.

On January 3, Harun-Ur-Rashid Raju, reporter of the Grammer Kagoj published from Jessore and correspondent of the local Daily Mathabhanga, has attacked and bitten by Awami League supportive leader in Chuadanga. Eyewitnesses said, a group of 5/6 people attacked on Raju at about 12:30 pm, when he was at Darshana old Bazaar area. The Chhatra League leader Khoka was involved with this attack.

On January 5, Arifuzzaman Arif (40), a chief reporter of a local newspaper, has injured severely by terrorist attack in Narayanganj.

On January 15, At least 10 students including two journalists were injured in a clash between two factions of the Bangladesh Chhatra League at the Rajshahi University (RU) over establishing supremacy on the campus. The two injured journalists are MA Jahid, RU correspondent of the News Today and Sayem Sabu, RU correspondent of daily Jugantor. They were undergoing treatment at the Rajshahi University Medical centre.

Declaration canceled:

On January 16, Zilla magistrate has been canceled the declaration of the Daily Nabab due to illegal publication.

Others:

On January 5, Atiqullah Khan Masud, the editor of the Daily Janakantha, was granted interim bail for four months in four corruption cases in which he was jailed for varying terms. The High Court (HC) bench of Justice Md Muzammel Hossain and Justice Afzal Hossain Ahmed passed the bail orders after hearing four petitions filed by Atiqullah.

On January 7, Awami League (AL) supportive some journalists snapped the key of Press Club from peon and occupied the Club. After hearing the news, Club President Mukul Khasru and General Secretary S M Ali Ahsan Panna went to the spot and harassed by AL supporters. DC and SP have changed their mind and advised them to file case at police station due to pressure of local AL leaders.

On January 7, Speakers demanded at a meeting to the newly elected government to establish a non-communal and progressive Bangladesh. They said, qualitative changes should come in our political arena after two years rule of the non-political government. The view-exchange meeting was organized by the Citizens Rights Movement at the conference room of the National Press Club in the capital. Secretary General of the Organization, Tushar Rehman read out the written keynote paper. In the keynote he presented 18 points of demand to the elected government. He demaneed autonomy to the Bangladesh Betar and the Bangladesh Television within 2009. Terming the mass media as a 'fourth estate' of tie country Tushar said, this government would have to establish the freedom of the press. Syed Abul Maksud, Columnist said, this government has to maintain good governance for well being of the people. If the government could control the price level of essential under the buying capacity of the people, it would be able to retain public support.

On January 9, Shangram Shingha, a stuff reporter of the Daily Jugantor and Sylhet correspondent of ETV, has abducted by the terrorists. They have beaten him and took a signature on a white stamp from him. After an hour, hearing the news some local journalists rescued him. Shangram said that he was going home from Gindabazar office at 7 pm. He also said, he was abducted for publishing report in Jugantor against a relative Advocate Abdur Rokib.

On January 29, some unruly youths ransacked the office of a local daily for publishing a news items on the expulsion of Fulchhari Upazila Awami League president Akbar Hossain, also the upazila chairman. Police said being enraged at the publication of the news item against Fulchhari Upazila AL president, a group of youths attacked the office of the Janosanket.

Fewer journalists killed in 2008

The press freedom group Reporters Without Borders says the number of journalists killed worldwide dropped by nearly a quarter this year, largely because of improvements in Iraq, report agencies. In its annual report Tuesday, the Paris-based organization says 60 journalists were killed in 2008, down from 86 last years. Iraq remained the deadliest country for reporters with 15 deaths, but that was significantly fewer than the 47 killed there in 2007. Reporters without Borders say the declining numbers do not mean the global press freedom situation has improved. It says the lower figure often are the result of journalists being forced to stop their work, and “should not mask the fact that intimidation and censorship have become more widespread, including in the west.” The report highlights an increase in Internet repression, with bogglers facing imprisonment in many countries, including Burma, China, Iran and Syria. Reporters without Borders say a Chinese man in 2008 was the first person to be killed while acting as a “citizen journalist.” Along with the Middles East, the group named Asia as one of the deadliest regions for journalists, with seven reporters killed in Pakistan and six in the Philippines. Four journalists were killed in Mexico, while the death toll in Africa was said to have dropped from 12 in 2007 to three in 2008, mostly because journalists on the continent had stopped working especially in war zones such as Somalia.