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In Bangladesh, journalists have been subjected to torture, oppression, arrests, false murder charges, freezing of bank accounts, and various forms of harassment. Recently, the closure of Deepto TV and the firing of journalists have intensified the suppression of media voices and harassment of journalists. In protest, a rally and human chain were organized by Bangladeshi media workers in the UK. The event took place on May 3rd, Saturday, at 4:00 PM, at the base of the Central Shaheed Minar in Altab Ali Park, London.
The rally was chaired by renowned journalist and war hero Abu Musa Hasan, with journalist Juyel Raaj as the host. Speakers at the event expressed their concerns, stating that journalists in Bangladesh have been held on false murder charges and denied bail. Over 200 journalists have been named in various cases, which has caused a sense of fear among the journalistic community.
The speakers highlighted that major terrorists are being released from jail, while innocent journalists are being incarcerated. They also pointed out the rise of extremism in the country.
The speakers further stated that despite promises made by Dr. Yunus, false cases against journalists have not been withdrawn; instead, their persecution has increased. Therefore, the harassment of journalists cannot be accepted under any circumstances.
It was emphasized that questioning is an essential part of a journalist's work, and it is unprecedented for any institution to fire an employee simply for raising such questions. These incidents are happening with the direct or indirect support of the current government. While political bias in media outlets and journalism exists in every country, in Bangladesh, in the last eight months, 296 journalists have been accused, 50 media offices and press houses have been attacked, 600 journalists have been targeted with legal cases, 6 journalists have been killed, 18 arrested, and more than 100 journalists have been injured. Furthermore, over 1,000 journalists have been forced to resign or have been dismissed, and 96 journalists have been asked to provide financial details. 168 press credentials have been revoked, and 83 journalists' press club memberships have been canceled. Many media houses have also been forcefully taken over. This shows the extreme level of persecution faced by Bangladesh's media.
The speakers also accused the current government of fostering a culture where questioning the authorities is discouraged and silenced.
Other notable speakers at the protest included human rights activist Councillor Puspoita Gupta, Abdul Ahad Chowdhury, senior journalist Abdul Kadir Chowdhury Murad, Ahad Chowdhury Babu, Shah Belal, Jamal Khan, Zubair Ahmed, Suez Mia, Syed Enam, Avishek Shekhar Jiku, Nurunnabi Chowdhury, Sohag Jadu, Nishith Sarkar Mitu, Monna Mia, and A. Rahman Oli, among others.
