Journalists in Satkhira formed a human chain on Wednesday protesting a violent attack on fellow media professionals and submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner seeking justice and security for journalists.
The protest took place at the New Market square under the banner of Satkhira Press Club.
The event was chaired by Press Club President Abul Kashem and conducted by General Secretary Asaduzzaman Asad. Speakers included Vice President Abul Kalam Azad, Prothom Alo correspondent Kalyan Banerjee, Somoy TV’s Montaj Ahmed Bappi, injured journalist Aminur Rahman and DBC News reporter M Belal Hossain.
Speakers alleged that on June 30, during preparations for a general meeting, 15 journalists were attacked inside the press club premises by a group of armed men reportedly loyal to an illegal and self-styled committee. The attack occurred in the presence of law enforcers. Alarmingly, the injured journalists were later falsely implicated in police cases, causing widespread anger.
Protesters condemned the growing culture of intimidation and called for the removal of the ‘occupying committee’ that allegedly nurtures criminals to suppress dissenting voices. They demanded immediate legal action against the attackers and protection for journalists to carry out their duties without fear.
Over a hundred journalists from key media houses were present in solidarity.
