Journalists in Kurigram formed a human chain to protest the attack on Muhammad Zobair, the Kurigram District Correspondent of Star News Television, who was assaulted while performing his professional duties during a July Mass Uprising Day program in Ulipur. The protesters demanded the immediate arrest of the attackers, a fair and impartial investigation, and exemplary punishment for those responsible.
The hour-long human chain was organized by the Kurigram Journalists' Union on Thursday afternoon at KC Road in Kurigram town. Journalists from print, electronic, and online media, along with human rights activists and concerned citizens, took part in the demonstration.
Among those who addressed the gathering were Monowar Hossain Liton, Member Secretary of the Kurigram Journalists' Union and Kurigram Correspondent of ATN News; Mahfuz Khandaker Tutor, General Secretary of the Kurigram Press Club; Rashidul Islam Rashed, Kurigram Correspondent of Channel One; Tamzid Turag, Kurigram Correspondent of Independent Television; Sujan Mohanta, Kurigram Correspondent of Samakal; and human rights activist Rukaiya Akter Rupa.
The speakers said that an attack on a journalist while carrying out professional duties is not merely an attack on an individual but also an assault on press freedom and freedom of expression. They emphasized that journalists serve the public by delivering truthful and objective news, and ensuring their safety is the responsibility of the state.
They called for an immediate, fair, impartial, and speedy investigation into the incident, urging the authorities to identify and arrest all those involved. They also demanded exemplary punishment for the perpetrators and effective measures to ensure journalists can carry out their professional responsibilities safely in the future.
At the conclusion of the human chain, journalist leaders warned that if prompt and visible legal action is not taken against the attackers, the journalist community will be compelled to announce a larger protest program.
Sun News/ Zaman
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