JU forms probe committee over harassment of journalists

Jahangirnagar University (JU) authorities have formed a five-member investigation committee following allegations of harassment, intimidation and attempted assault on journalists while they were covering a protest on campus.

JU Acting Registrar Dr. A B M Azizur Rahman confirmed the development on Monday, saying the committee has been asked to submit its report with recommendations within seven working days.

The committee will be led by dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Prof Dr. Mohammad Shamsul Alam as convener, while Public Relations Office reporter Hafizur Rahman will serve as member secretary.

Other members include Prof Dr. Md. Shafiqul Islam of the Physics Department, Prof Dr. Md. Abdul Halim of the Botany Department and Prof Dr. Shamsun Nahar of the Microbiology Department.

According to allegations, the incident took place on Sunday evening, May 17, when journalists were recording videos of an ongoing protest on the campus. Reporters allegedly faced verbal abuse, rude behavior, intimidation, attempted physical attacks and efforts to incite a crowd against them through microphone announcements.

The incident sparked strong condemnation from Jahangirnagar University Journalists’ Association (JUJA), Jahangirnagar University Press Club (JUPC).

The organizations demanded that the university administration ensure the safety and security of journalists working on the campus.