Wednesday, 23 October, 2024
Bangladesh Jatiyotabadi Journalists Forum (BJF) on Tuesday called upon the government and relevant authorities to reinstate all journalists who were unlawfully dismissed on political grounds during what they described as the fascist regime of the Awami League.
“If the dismissed journalists are not reinstated promptly, we will have no choice but to take action against the responsible media institutions,” warned the forum's leaders during a meeting held at the National Press Club.
Presided over by BJF Convenor and renowned poet and journalist Abu Saleh, the meeting saw the participation of numerous journalists who uphold the spirit of Bangladeshi nationalism. Former National Press Club and BFUJ president Shawkat Mahmud attended as the chief guest.
In his address, Shawkat Mahmud highlighted the hardships faced by nationalist journalists over the past 17 years under oppressive rule.
"Millions of nationalist leaders and activists have been subjected to persecution, and hundreds have been abducted or killed. I alone have had 76 false cases filed against me. The Awami League’s authoritarian rule has imprisoned me through fabricated charges, to suppress the voice of the journalist community," he said.
Mahmud emphasised that thousands of journalists across the country remain deprived of their right to free expression, with nationalist-leaning journalists disproportionately affected.
"Many of these journalists were terminated illegally with malicious intent during the fascist AL regime, and they are still waiting for justice," he added.
BJF Committee Formed
At the meeting, BJF announced its new 231-member committee, with Abu Saleh as the President and Jahangir Alam Prodhan, a former DUJ Secretary, as the Secretary.
Speakers reiterated their demand for the immediate reinstatement of all politically terminated journalists. BJF President Abu Saleh warned that failure to address this injustice would lead to further action against the institutions responsible for these illegal dismissals.
In his speech, BJF Secretary Jahangir Alam urged the government to repeal all draconian laws that stifle journalistic freedom. "We no longer want to see journalists silenced. These oppressive laws must be abolished, and journalists' voices should be included in national decision-making processes," he said.
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Bangladesh Jatiyotabadi Journalists Forum (BJF) on Tuesday called upon the government and relevant authorities to reinstate all journalists who were unlawfully dismissed on political grounds during what they described as the fascist regime of the Awami League.
“If the dismissed journalists are not reinstated promptly, we will have no choice but to take action against the responsible media institutions,” warned the forum's leaders during a meeting held at the National Press Club.
Presided over by BJF Convenor and renowned poet and journalist Abu Saleh, the meeting saw the participation of numerous journalists who uphold the spirit of Bangladeshi nationalism. Former National Press Club and BFUJ president Shawkat Mahmud attended as the chief guest.
In his address, Shawkat Mahmud highlighted the hardships faced by nationalist journalists over the past 17 years under oppressive rule.
"Millions of nationalist leaders and activists have been subjected to persecution, and hundreds have been abducted or killed. I alone have had 76 false cases filed against me. The Awami League’s authoritarian rule has imprisoned me through fabricated charges, to suppress the voice of the journalist community," he said.
Mahmud emphasised that thousands of journalists across the country remain deprived of their right to free expression, with nationalist-leaning journalists disproportionately affected.
"Many of these journalists were terminated illegally with malicious intent during the fascist AL regime, and they are still waiting for justice," he added.
BJF Committee Formed
At the meeting, BJF announced its new 231-member committee, with Abu Saleh as the President and Jahangir Alam Prodhan, a former DUJ Secretary, as the Secretary.
Speakers reiterated their demand for the immediate reinstatement of all politically terminated journalists. BJF President Abu Saleh warned that failure to address this injustice would lead to further action against the institutions responsible for these illegal dismissals.
In his speech, BJF Secretary Jahangir Alam urged the government to repeal all draconian laws that stifle journalistic freedom. "We no longer want to see journalists silenced. These oppressive laws must be abolished, and journalists' voices should be included in national decision-making processes," he said.
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