Journalists demand justice for July uprising killings

They made the demands at a rally and discussion organised by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) at the National Press Club to mark the second anniversary of the fall of the Awami League government and the victory of the student-people’s movement.

Earlier, the journalist organisations brought out a victory procession from the National Press Club, which paraded different streets in the capital before returning to the Press Club premises.

Speaking at the rally, BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury said the killings and human rights violations committed during the movement must be investigated and those responsible brought to justice without delay.

DUJ President Md Shahidul Islam said the sacrifices of students, citizens and journalists during the July-August uprising must be properly honoured by ensuring exemplary punishment for those responsible.

He said the journalist community expects the government to ensure quick and impartial justice against those accused of killings and alleged embezzlement of state funds.

The journalist leaders also called for unity among media professionals to protect democracy, freedom of expression and people’s rights.

Among others, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Managing Director and Chief Editor Kamal Uddin Shabuj, Principal Information Officer of the Press Information Department Syed Abdal Ahmed, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz and Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust Managing Director Mohammad Abdul Basir attended the programme, reports UNB.