MUJ Khulna Holds Human Chain Protesting Attack on Journalists, Demands Immediate Arrest of Perpetrators

PNN News Desk. Khulna

The Metropolitan Union of Journalists (MUJ) Khulna has strongly condemned the shooting targeting four journalists in Khulna. Demanding the immediate identification, arrest, and exemplary punishment of those involved, the organization organized a protest rally and human chain in front of Khulna Press Club on Wednesday (July 15).

Speaking as the chief guest at the program, Khulna Development Authority (KDA) Chairman and Khulna Metropolitan BNP President Advocate S.M. Shafiqul Alam Mona said attacks on journalists pose a serious threat to press freedom and journalists’ security. He said such attacks targeting journalists in public areas cannot be accepted under any circumstances.

He said those who attack journalists are against the rule of law and freedom of expression. Referring to past killings of journalists in Khulna, including Humayun Kabir Balu, Manik Chandra Saha, Sheikh Belal Uddin, and Harun-Or-Rashid Khokon, he said criminals would not have dared to commit such incidents if those cases had received proper justice.

Shafiqul Alam Mona alleged that the attack on journalists was part of a conspiracy aimed at creating an embarrassing situation for the government. He demanded that those responsible be identified quickly and brought under legal action. He also called upon law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of journalists working in Khulna city.

The program was chaired by MUJ Khulna President Md. Rashidul Islam. Special guests included Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB) Director and Khulna Metropolitan BNP General Secretary Shafiqul Alam Tuhin, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Assistant Secretary General Ehteshamul Haque Shawon, and Khulna Newspaper Council General Secretary Mizanur Rahman Milton.

The event was conducted by MUJ Khulna General Secretary Abdur Razzaq Rana and Joint General Secretary Ashraful Islam Noor.

Speakers said journalists highlight the voices of ordinary people, and attacks on them are attacks on media freedom. They demanded the immediate arrest and strict punishment of those involved so that no one dares to attack journalists in the future.

Leaders of MUJ Khulna, representatives of various journalist organizations, political groups, social organizations, and professional bodies attended the protest.

It is worth mentioning that the program was organized in protest against the shooting incident targeting four journalists, including MUJ Khulna Treasurer and SA TV Khulna Divisional Chief Rakibul Islam Mati. Speakers demanded a fair investigation and swift justice over the incident.