The Bangladesh Professional Journalists Forum (BPJF) formed a human chain demanding the immediate and unconditional release of its Central Committee President, journalist Kazi Shariful Islam Shakil.
The demonstration was organized by the BPJF Central Committee in front of the National Press Club in the capital at 11:00 AM on Sunday (October 11).
Chaired by BPJF Dhaka City Chief Coordinator Md. Hafiz Uddin and moderated by General Secretary Md. Roman Akanda, the event featured former General Secretary of the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ), Jahangir Alam Pradhan, as the chief guest. BPJF Acting Central President Mahabub Alam Babu delivered the keynote address.
Special guests included Md. Khairul Alam Rafiq, Chairman of the Journalist Harassment Prevention Cell Bangladesh; Md. Motiur Rahman, Chief Editor of Daily Barta Din; Md. Rafiqul Islam, Executive Editor of Daily Samabesh; and Salim Reza Bachchu, Joint Organizational Secretary of Bangladesh Congress.
Other prominent speakers at the human chain included BPJF Joint General Secretary SM Rezaul Karim, Human Rights Secretary Zakia Hossain, Assistant Secretaries Mariam Akhtar Maria, Sharmin Akhtar, and Faisal Howlader, among others. A large number of journalists and BPJF leaders across various tiers were present at the rally.
In his chief guest address, Jahangir Alam Pradhan emphasized the urgent need to ensure journalists' professional safety and create a conducive environment for independent journalism. He called upon the authorities to properly review journalist Kazi Shariful Islam Shakil's case and take fair, just measures.
Keynote speaker Mahabub Alam Babu urged all journalists to stay united in protecting their professional rights, dignity, and security while reiterating the demand for Shakil's unconditional release.
Speakers at the demonstration stressed that any allegation against a journalist must be resolved through proper investigation and legal procedure. They called on the relevant authorities to impartially review the case, ensure justice, and take necessary steps for his immediate release.
— Daily Best News Desk • Fearless in the search for truth
Reported by Staff Reporter, Dhaka • Edited by the Daily Best News desk. Send corrections to [email protected].
