I condemn the killing of Tahir Zaman Priyo and call for a swift investigation to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. Journalists covering events of public interest provide critical information to the population and must do so without fearing for their safety. I call on authorities to hold those responsible to account,
Audrey AzoulayUNESCO Director-General
Tahir Zaman Priyo was a freelance videographer and photographer, having most recently worked for the online news outlet The Report 24. He was reportedly killed by a shot to the head during a demonstration. He is the fourth journalist to be killed in Bangladesh since the beginning of July.
UNESCO promotes the safety of journalists through global awareness-raising, capacity building and by coordinating the implementation of the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity. UNESCO has previously shone a light on the increasing risks to the safety of journalists covering protests in two Issue Briefs in 2020 and in 2021.
