Media Convention Starts in the Capital
A media convention has begun in the capital to protest attacks on freedom of expression and democratic values, and to express a united stance in favor of independent, responsible, and courageous journalism.
The convention began on Saturday after 10 a.m. with the national anthem. Later, the history of state interference in newspapers at different times was presented.
The convention, which started at the auditorium of the Krishibid Institution Complex in Khamarbari, the capital, will continue until 1:30 p.m.
The convention has been jointly organized by the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and the Editors’ Council, organizations of newspaper owners and editors respectively.
Members of NOAB and the Editors’ Council, the Association of Television Channel Owners, Broadcast Journalist Center, National Press Club, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, Dhaka Union of Journalists, Dhaka Reporters Unity, Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Economic Reporters Forum, Photo Journalists Association, Crime Reporters Association, along with leaders of various journalists’ organizations and journalists and media editors-publishers working outside Dhaka, have participated in the convention.
The organizers said that in recent times democratic values and Bangladesh have been continuously affected by organized violence (mob violence). These continuous attacks on freedom of expression and democratic values are unprecedented. To protest these incidents and to express a united stance in favor of independent, responsible, and courageous journalism, the Editors’ Council and NOAB have jointly organized this media workers’ convention.
Earlier, a protest meeting titled “Bangladesh Affected by Mob Violence” was held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital in protest against attacks, vandalism, looting, and arson at Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, and the harassment of New Age editor Nurul Kabir.
At that meeting, organized by NOAB and the Editors’ Council on December 22, NOAB President A. K. Azad announced the holding of a journalists’ grand rally.
