“Assault for Protesting Food Quality in Bangladesh: Where is the Journalist’s Safety?”

Saifur Rahman,  Dhaka : In terms of journalistic standards, Bangladesh is considered to be significantly ahead in South Asia, especially in terms of ethics and professionalism. Compared to India’s journalistic practices, Bangladesh is thought to conduct journalism in a more refined and orderly manner. However, previous governments have implemented various laws to suppress journalists’ voices, which successfully silenced them to a great extent.

As a result, journalism as a profession became increasingly questioned by opposition political parties and the general public. Assaults, harassment, and repression of journalists had become common occurrences. Yet today, an unexpected incident occurred, raising new concerns about the safety of journalists in the country.

On Sunday, October 6th, in the capital’s Banani area, journalist Saleh Mohammad Rashid Alok was brutally beaten after he protested against the quality of food at the popular restaurant Star Kabab. According to reports, the tikka served alongside kacchi biryani was rotten and foul-smelling. As a customer, Alok and his friend raised a complaint about the quality of the food.

The restaurant manager responded dismissively, saying, “You’ve never eaten tikka before, this is how it is.” When Alok protested further, three other customers voiced the same complaints. Angered, the manager rang the call bell to gather all the staff, who proceeded to push Alok from the second floor to the ground floor, where he was severely beaten by about 14-15 employees.

Alok’s right hand and leg were broken, and he suffered serious head injuries. He is currently being treated at Kurmitola Hospital. Banani Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Rasel Sarwar stated, “We have visited the scene and arrested several individuals. Appropriate legal action will be taken once a case is filed.”

This incident has sparked a widespread reaction on social media. From journalists to the general public, many have condemned the incident and demanded exemplary punishment for the perpetrators.

For more information: To learn more about journalists’ ethics, media freedom, and protection, you can read the “Media Freedom and Journalist Protection” research report. Additionally, a recent study on journalists who have faced attacks can be found on the website of the “Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).”