The Rangpur journalist community has become vocal in condemning and protesting the incident of disrespectful behavior towards a senior journalist while performing his professional duties in Rangpur. In light of this, the Rangpur Sammilit Jangid Samaj held a human chain and protest rally, accusing Rangpur Customs, Excise and VAT Commissioner Mohammad Shafiur Rahman of disrespectful behavior. The program, organized by the Rangpur Sammilit Jangid Samaj at the Press Club premises on Sunday (April 26) at 12 noon, was attended by journalists from various print, electronic television and online media in the district. Representatives of Badarganj, Mithapukur, Taraganj, Pirgachha, Pirganj, Kaunia, Gangachara, Haragachha and Rangpur Sadar Press Clubs also participated.
It is learned that Salequzzaman Salek, president of Rangpur Union of Journalists (RPUJ) and Rangpur Bureau Chief of Dainik Dinkal newspaper, was subjected to disrespectful behavior while performing his professional duties at the office of Rangpur Customs, Excise and VAT Commissioner on Thursday (April 23). A complaint was filed against Rangpur Customs, Excise and VAT Commissioner Mohammad Shafiur Rahman in this incident. Since the incident came to light, there has been a huge reaction in the journalist community.
The program was chaired by Rangpur Sammilit Jangid Samaj President Liaquat Ali Badal and moderated by RPUJ Organizing Secretary Badshah Osmani. The rally was attended by Rangpur Journalists Union Senior Vice President Chanchal Mahmud, City Press Club President Swapan Chowdhury, General Secretary Humayon Kabir Manik, RPUJ Joint General Secretary Rezaul Karim Manik, Rangpur Reporters Club Vice President Mahmudul Hasan, Rangpur Reporters Unity President Mahfuz Alam Prince, General Secretary Shimul Islam, Mithapukur Press Club President Sheikh Sadi, Kaunia Press Club General Secretary Saidul Islam, Pirgachha Press Club President Sirajul Islam, Pirganj Press Club Senior Vice President Bakhtiar Rahman, Taraganj Press Club General Secretary Alamgir Hossain Lebu, and Badarganj Press Club member Riyad Islam.
In addition, leaders of various journalist organizations including Bangladesh Photojournalist Association Rangpur General Secretary Asaduzzaman Afzal, TCA General Secretary Saiful Islam Mukul, National Journalist Association Taraganj President Khairul Alam Biplob, Mahiganj Press Club President Bablu Nag and others spoke.
Speakers at the human chain expressed strong anger, saying that such disrespectful behavior from a responsible government official is not only condemnable, but also a direct attack on the freedom of the media and the professional dignity of journalists. They also said that disrespectful behavior towards journalists, who act as mirrors of the state and society, is against democratic values.
The speakers complained that the recent incident has created concern and anger among journalists. They also expressed fear that if such behavior continues, it will create obstacles in the future for journalists to perform their duties. Therefore, they demanded a speedy and impartial investigation to ensure a fair trial of the incident.
The journalists said in the human chain, “If we are subjected to harassment and disrespect while performing our duties, it will become difficult to reveal the truth.” The journalist community is united against such behavior. Disrespectful behavior towards journalists while holding government positions is very regrettable. A prompt investigation must be conducted and action taken against the guilty. We will not compromise in protecting the freedom of the media. A fair trial of this incident must be ensured. Democracy will be damaged if the professional safety of journalists is not ensured. If this incident is not properly investigated, we will be forced to take stricter measures. The journalist community immediately set a 24-hour deadline for taking administrative action against the accused officer, subject to an impartial investigation of the incident, and demanded that journalists be treated with respect in the future. They warned that the Rangpur journalist community would announce stricter measures if their demands were not met.