TIB says interim government cannot evade blame for attacks on media, free speech

The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has said the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government cannot deny responsibility for the attack on media, describing it as an assault on free media, dissent, and freedom of speech.

The TIB, local chapter of Berlin-based Transparency International—a global anti-corruption organisation, called the attacks as “organised” and “unprecedented”.

The TIB made the remarks in a statement issued on Friday, also expressing concern and condemnation over the killing of Inqilab Moncho Convenor Sharif Osman bin Hadi.

After the news of Hadi’s death while undergoing treatment in Singapore spread, groups of people took to the streets in protest. A mob vandalised and carried out arson attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo newspaper offices.

Another mob attacked the Chhayanaut building in Dhanmondi, vandalising furniture at the Bengali cultural organisation and setting it on fire.

The TIB said in the statement the government has failed to arrest Hadi’s assailants.

TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman pointed out the interim government’s shortsightedness and inefficiency in addressing the instability and security risks caused by public outrage over the allegations that it failed to arrest all those involved in the targeted shooting and even helped some flee to a neighbouring country.

The government cannot evade this responsibility, he said.