DHAKA : Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami on Tuesday expressed deep regret over the “unfortunate and undesirable” incident involving the attack on journalists during a political programme in the capital’s Dhanmondi-32 area.

In a statement issued on behalf of the party, Jamaat Central Publicity and Media Department Secretary Ahsanul Mahboob Zubair said the party was sincerely saddened by the incident.

“An unfortunate, undesirable and regrettable incident occurred involving journalists during a peaceful political programme at Dhanmondi-32 in Dhaka. We express our heartfelt regret over the matter,” he said.

Zubayer said Jamaat-e-Islami has always respected media freedom and the professional rights of journalists.

“The media is the fourth pillar of the state, and journalists play an indispensable role in building a democratic and accountable society. Any form of aggression or violence against journalists while performing their professional duties is unacceptable,” he said.

According to the statement, the party initially learned that the situation arose after the peaceful conclusion of the Dhanmondi zone’s protest programme due to the provocation of some overenthusiastic individuals or unexpected outsiders present at the scene.

He said Jamaat does not tolerate any breach of party discipline or extremist behaviour.

The party leader said Jamaat would conduct an internal review to determine who was actually involved in the incident and how the misunderstanding originated.

“If the involvement of any party activist at any level is proven, strict organisational action will be taken against them,” he added.

Zubair said maintaining cordial relations and cooperation between political parties and the media is essential at a time when the country is moving toward what he described as a “new Bangladesh free from fascism.”

He urged all concerned to remain vigilant so that no vested group could exploit the incident to create misunderstandings or divisions.

The Jamaat leader also expressed sympathy for Daily Sokal multimedia reporter Mahfuzur Rahman Shishir, who was injured while performing his professional duties, and wished him a speedy recovery.

He said Jamaat-e-Islami would act with greater caution and responsibility in the future to prevent the recurrence of such incidents and once again expressed regret over the episode.