CJEN conference stresses journalist safety in Dhaka

Journalism educators gathered in Dhaka on Friday for a two-day conference focused on protecting media workers and professional ethics. The American International University-Bangladesh hosted more than 100 academics, researchers, and students for what organizers called the largest assembly of journalism teachers in the nation. Research showed that nearly 38 percent of 518 surveyed reporters suffered physical attacks while performing their duties. Mental harassment affected almost 79 percent of respondents, while cyber harassment targeted over half.

Mahamudul Haque from Begum Rokeya University presented findings that revealed 66 percent faced threats and 37 percent experienced police intimidation. The study found 88 percent of journalists worried about personal safety, and 90 percent believed media workers faced multiple security threats. Haque urged authorities to establish stronger safeguards through policy changes and protective measures. University officials and international media experts attended the opening session of the Communication and Journalism Educators’ Network conference at the campus.