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February 08, 2026 – India –
The Jagannath University Journalists’ Alliance on 8 February 2026 strongly condemned an attack on journalists who were carrying out their professional duties amid violent clashes during an inter-departmental football match at Jagannath University (JnU) in Dhaka, calling for accountability and swift justice for those responsible.
The incident unfolded on 5 February at the university’s central playground in the Dhupkhola area, where tensions arose following the final of the inter-department football tournament between the Department of Islamic Studies and the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism. After a goalless draw in regulation time, the match went to a tie-breaker, which was won 3-0 by the Islamic Studies team. Eyewitnesses reported that disagreements among students escalated into physical clashes shortly after the match ended.
During the unrest, at least 20 people — including teachers, students, and working journalists — were injured, with several taken to hospitals for treatment. Among the media workers hurt were Rakibul Islam Rakib, a campus correspondent for The Daily Star, and Limon Islam, a reporter with Dainik Amar Desh. Both journalists were admitted to medical facilities with serious injuries, including one in a critical condition, according to local reports.
The alliance’s joint statement, signed by leaders of various journalist bodies within the university, decried the attacks as deliberate targeting of media personnel who were on duty covering the event. The organisation demanded a thorough, impartial, and expedited investigation into the incident and urged authorities to ensure exemplary punishment for those found responsible, stressing the importance of protecting journalists and upholding press freedom on campus.
University authorities and student groups reportedly intervened to eventually restore order after the clashes erupted. The episode has drawn attention to safety concerns faced by journalists covering events even in academic settings, amplifying calls from press bodies for better protection and respect for media professionals’ rights, particularly when reporting on activities involving student groups and public gatherings.
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