Journalists have asked for an exemplary punishment for the assault on photojournalist Shamim Ahmed by jail guards in Barishal while he was carrying out his duties at the Barishal Central Jail.

The demand was made on Tuesday (Jan 15) in a human chain held in front of the National Press Club by the Barishal Divisional Journalist Association, Dhaka.

The journalists present said that Shamim Ahmed was assaulted by jail guards as he went to take photos over an alleged wheat scandal at the prison.

The journalists also expressed their indignation at the oppression of the press while carrying out their duties in general.

Everyone takes journalists as the opponent though the truth usually comes out due to their tireless work, they said.

They also observed that due to the presence of a thriving media, misdeeds and vices cannot be kept under wraps and, therefore, criminals take the chance to attack journalists.