Bangladeshi journos stage silent protest against killings of journalists in Gaza
They also mourned the deaths of at least five journalists killed in an Israeli strike on 25 August at a hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza.
Journalists across Bangladesh today (29 August) formed a nationwide silent human chain, protesting the killings of journalists in Gaza and expressing solidarity with colleagues working in the war-ravaged territory.
Journalists in Dhaka, Chattogram, Khulna, Rajshahi and Barishal stood shoulder-to-shoulder for half an hour this afternoon, holding placards with messages such as "Journalism is not a crime," "Journalists are not targets," "Stop killing journalists," and "Journalism matters."
In Dhaka, the demonstration was held near the Central Shaheed Minar, where participants later lit candles in memory of slain colleagues, according to a press statement.
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Similar programmes were held simultaneously in other major cities, turning the action into a coordinated nationwide protest.
The death toll of journalists in Gaza has nearly reached 200 over the past two years, with reporters and media workers repeatedly targeted during military operations, it added.
The statement demanded that the Israeli armed forces stop targeting journalists in Gaza.
"Journalists are civilians fulfilling their professional duty of reporting from conflict zones. They must not be turned into victims," the statement said.
They also mourned the deaths of at least five journalists killed in an Israeli strike on 25 August at a hospital in Khan Yunis, Gaza. Participants observed silence to pay tribute to the victims.
Reaffirming their commitment to defending press freedom, Bangladeshi journalists also called on the international community to act urgently to ensure the safety of media workers in conflict areas, it added.
