'Extreme cruelty': Journalist leaders condemn Noab's decision of three-day Eid leave, demand extension

The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ), Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), Economic Reporters Forum (ERF), and Dhaka Sub Editors Council (DSEC) have strongly protested the Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh's (Noab) decision to close newspapers for just three days on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, BFUJ Acting President Obaidur Rahman Shahin, Secretary General Quader Gani Chowdhury, DUJ President Md. Shahidul Islam, General Secretary Khurshid Alam, DRU President Abu Saleh Akon, General Secretary Mainul Ahsan Sohel, ERF President Doulot Akter Mala, General Secretary Abul Kashem, and DSEC President Muktadir Anik and General Secretary Jawahar Iqbal Khan expressed their strong anger and condemnation.

They demanded that Noab reconsider its decision and extend the Eid holiday. However, they expressed frustration that Noab has not yet addressed their concerns.

According to Noab's announcement, newspapers will be closed on March 30, 31, and April 1. If Eid-ul-Fitr is observed on April 1, depending on the sighting of the moon, the closure will extend to April 2.

The journalist leaders pointed out that government officials and employees are receiving a longer holiday this year, with a five-day break coinciding with Independence Day, Shab-e-Qadr, and weekly holidays, stretching across the end of March and the start of April.

In contrast, Noab's three-day holiday decision for media workers, without considering their needs, was labelled as "extreme cruelty."

They protested the decision, demanding an increase in the holiday period.

The journalist leaders also said that as the nation fights against discrimination, Noab's decision reflects a new form of inequality, pushing media workers into further hardship.

They have reiterated their call for a reconsideration of the decision to ensure fair treatment for media workers.