40 journalists faced violence, intimidation in March
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At least 40 journalists faced various forms of attacks, intimidation, threats, and harassment in 15 incidents in March, according to a report by the Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF). In February, 13 journalists faced such assaults and threats in nine incidents. Journalist Shafiquzzaman Rana was sent to jail on charges of "misconduct" while seeking information from a UNO office in Sherpur. Dhaka International University suspended 10 students for forming a journalist committee. Furthermore, 17 journalists were injured and attacked, three faced threats, and eight were harassed across the country. Ruling party members were involved in four incidents, UP chairmen in three, government officials in two, university authorities in one, land grabbers in one, and local influential people in four. The report emphasized that these attacks aim to silence objective and truthful journalism. Additionally, three incidents occurred last month in which law enforcement agencies picked up individuals, including political leaders and activists, who were later shown arrested in cases. A total of 12 people died in prison in March, and MSF demanded an improvement in medical conditions inside jails. In March, there were 247 incidents of violence against women and children, including 38 incidents of rape, nine of gang rape, and one of murder after rape. The MSF report blamed government inaction for border killings by the Indian BSF, stating that at least four Bangladeshis were killed and five injured in such firing in March.