Bangladeshi Journalists In International Media (BJIM) on Tuesday expressed deep concern over the assault on a multimedia reporter of Banglanews24 during a police operation at Suhrawardy Udyan and called for an immediate and impartial investigation into the incident.

In a press statement, BJIM said journalist Tofayel Ahmed was injured while covering a police drive allegedly conducted by officers of Shahbagh Police Station at Suhrawardy Udyan and is currently undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.

BJIM said it had reviewed and verified videos of the incident.

According to the statement, the journalist alleged that police had invited members of the media to cover the operation. Shortly after the drive began, when he went live from the scene, a police officer allegedly pulled off his press identity card, seized his mobile phone and beat him with batons.

Even after identifying himself as a journalist, multiple officers continued to assault him, and his phone was taken during the incident, the statement said, citing the reporter.

Condemning the attack, BJIM said Bangladeshi authorities must demonstrate through swift and transparent measures that law enforcement agencies cannot assault journalists with impunity.

“An attack on a reporter performing his professional duty is an attack on the public’s right to information,” the organisation said.

BJIM urged the authorities to launch an immediate and impartial investigation, identify all police personnel involved — including those who ordered or enabled the assault — and ensure accountability through appropriate disciplinary and criminal proceedings.

It also called on the government to ensure that the injured journalist receives necessary medical treatment, psychological support and protection from any form of retaliation.

Describing the incident as a “dark reminder” of past abuses, BJIM said the assault was particularly alarming at the outset of a new government with a strong public mandate, which carries a heightened responsibility to uphold press freedom and the rule of law.

The organisation said it would continue to monitor the authorities’ response to the incident in coordination with domestic and international partners and stand by journalists at home and abroad in defence of press freedom and democratic values.