JABS reconstituted: Riaz made President, Darbesh general secretary

The Journalists Association of Bangladesh Secretariat (JABS) has been reconstituted, with Md Riazur Rahman Riaz of Daily Industry elected as president and Md Nizam Uddin Darbesh of Dainik Bartaman appointed as general secretary.

The new committee was formed during a working committee meeting held at a hotel in Dhaka's Purana Paltan on Monday, presided over by Riaz.

The newly announced office bearers of JABS are Vice Presidents Nasir Al Mamoon (Ajaker Prabhat) and Noor Alam (Dainik Sangram); Joint General Secretaries Ayan Ahmed (Pradinder Chitra BD.com) and Md. Monirul Islam Rohan (Dainik Naya Diganta); Organising Secretary Md. Rumazzal Hossain Rubel (Dainik Banglar Nabakanth); Publicity Secretary Md Kamrul Hasan (Channel I); Women’s Affairs Secretary Maryam Begum (Manabzamin); and Executive Members Khandaker Alamgir Hossain (Dainik Bartaman Katha), Md Delwar Hossain (The New Nation), and Al Amin Selim (Dainik Ganomanusher Awaz).

During the meeting, the JABS leaders emphasised the need for vigilance against those who, under the guise of journalism, have long supported authoritarian elements within the Secretariat. They called on members to remain united and alert to prevent any resurgence of disorder.

The leadership warned that certain factions, aligned with past dictatorial regimes and now attempting to rebrand themselves as agents of change, pose a renewed threat. Members were urged to stay cautious of these covert operatives.

The JABS leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting genuine journalists working in the Secretariat and issued a stern warning that any attempt to obstruct journalistic work would be firmly resisted.