NOAB to hold journalists' rally in January, continue protests demanding justice over attacks on Prothom Alo, Daily Star
The Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) today (22 December) announced plans to hold a nationwide journalists' rally in mid-January, vowing to continue protests until those responsible for the recent arson attacks and vandalism on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star are brought to justice.
"Journalists from across the country will take part in the mass rally, from which further programmes would be announced. Our programmes will continue until justice is ensured for these attacks," NOAB President AK Azad said at a joint protest meeting titled "Bangladesh Under the Attack of Mob Violence". The Editors' Council and NOAB organised the meeting at a hotel in Dhaka this morning.
Leaders of various political parties, representatives of professional bodies, business organisations, journalist organisations and members of civil society from different walks of life attended the programme to express solidarity. Following the meeting, participants formed a human chain.
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Speaking at the event, AK Azad said after the arson attack on Prothom Alo, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam repeatedly appealed to all government agencies and individuals for protection but received no response.
Quoting Mahfuz Anam, the NOAB president said after the arson attack on Prothom Alo, fearing that The Daily Star would be targeted next, there was no government agency or individual whom Anam did not approach to seek protection for the newspaper premises.
"Our struggle will continue until those who set fire to Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, Chhayanaut and Udichi are brought to justice and until freedom of expression is ensured," he said.
He also quoted a journalist as saying that attackers were seen carrying away computers and chairs in front of him, while no member of the law enforcement agencies raised any objection.
Thanking those who attended the protest meeting in solidarity, the NOAB president said participants generally agreed on one point: unity is essential to resist such attacks.
