RAC and DRU express concern over robbery of Journalist Bashir Hossain Babu in Türkiye

Journalist Bashir Hossain Babu, Special Correspondent of the Daily Janabani and a member of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), has been robbed on a bus in Istanbul, Türkiye. Two journalists' organisations the Reporters Against Corruption (RAC) and the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) have expressed deep concern and sorrow over the theft of dollars and valuable belongings from his bag while he was performing his professional duties.

In separate statements issued on Friday (November 13), RAC Acting President Abul Kashem and General Secretary Tabarul Haque, along with DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, expressed their concern over the incident.

In their statements, the leaders said that it was extremely unfortunate and concerning that a journalist had faced such an unwanted incident while visiting Türkiye to cover the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP31. While highlighting the devastating impacts of climate change, climate justice and the future of humanity before the global community, he had to face such a situation.

According to Bashir Hossain Babu, dollars were tactfully stolen from his bag while he was travelling by bus in an area approximately 15 kilometres from Istanbul. He also did not receive the expected assistance from transport workers following the incident, leaving him in an even more helpless situation.

RAC and DRU leaders said that ensuring the safety, dignity and a suitable working environment for journalists travelling abroad to cover international conferences or important news events is the responsibility of the relevant authorities. They said that it is the right of any journalist who becomes a victim of crime abroad to receive prompt legal and necessary assistance.

In their statements, they called upon the relevant law enforcement agencies, local administration in Türkiye and the Bangladesh Embassy to take the incident seriously, conduct the necessary investigation, take initiatives to recover the stolen money, and provide legal and humanitarian assistance to the affected journalist.

At the same time, the leaders of the two organisations called for effective initiatives by the relevant authorities to ensure the safety of Bangladeshi journalists staying abroad and provide prompt assistance whenever they face any danger.

They expressed their heartfelt sympathy to the affected journalist, Bashir Hossain Babu, and wished him safety while carrying out his professional responsibilities.

-MT