48-hour ultimatum for justice to murdered journalists

Journalists have given the authorities a 48-hour ultimatum for justice to the journalists, including Hasan Mehedi of Dhaka Times, who was killed while covering the quota reform movement in the capital's Jatrabari.

During a human chain held on Friday afternoon at Karwan Bazar in the capital, speakers made the demand under the banner of 'Demand for Media Workers' Safety.'

At the human chain, injured journalists shared their experiences.

Photojournalist Shamim Ahmed said, "I was attacked multiple times in Mirpur-10 area. No student attacked me; rather, members of the Chhatra League and Jubo League surrounded and beat me."

Jamuna TV's senior reporter Rabbi Siddiqui said, "Where should we general journalists go? Who will ensure our safety? We lost four of our brothers. Many brothers and sisters are injured. Has the state checked on them?

He said the authorities did not even need to inquire into the incidents. "We, media workers, carry the trauma and we are in constant fear. When will this end?"

Criticising journalist leaders during the human chain, the speakers said, "Our journalist leaders only come to television talk shows and talk about journalists' rights to serve their own interests. In reality, they do nothing; rather, they sell journalism. They do nothing in reality to achieve journalists' rights."

Dipon Dewan, the joint general secretary of the Bangladesh Crime Reporters Association (CRAB), said, "Those involved in the murder and torture of journalists must be identified and brought to justice within 48 hours. If no effective measures are taken within this stipulated time, media workers will announce strict programmes."