Dhaka: A.K.M Shariful Islam Khan, President of Bangladesh Online Media Association (BOMA) and Online Newspaper Editors Association of Bangladesh-ONEB, has expressed deep concern over the violent attack on journalist Nurul Kabir at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star last Thursday night. What message did the attack and harassment send to senior journalist Nurul Kabir, President of the Editors’ Council? The attack was described as a direct attack on the freedom of the press and the safety of journalists by Mr. Khan, President of the two organizations.
The BOMA president also said that journalists were trapped in the burning building during the attack. They were later rescued. This is not just a direct attack on property; it is also a direct attack on media freedom, democratic dialogue and the safety of journalists. A strong and independent media is essential for informed dialogue among the people and for a functioning democratic society.
He commented that such a horrific incident as the attack on the offices of Prothom Alo and the Daily Star has not happened since the Liberation War, adding that the silence of the police, army and government during the attacks on these institutions was surprising and disappointing.
It is worth noting that Bangladesh Online Media Association – BOMA is the largest organization of all online media in the country. Established in 2012, this organization is working on various issues including innovation, reader engagement, and business development in the media industry across the country. BOMA currently has about one thousand members nationwide. And the Online Newspaper Editors Association of Bangladesh – ONEB, which has more than 100 media editors associated with it.
