It is the state's duty to guarantee the safety of journalists: MRU

A protest and human chain were held in front of the National Press Club in the capital demanding an end to the nationwide torture of journalists, withdrawal of false cases and speedy trial of all journalist murder cases across the country.

The Multimedia Reporters Unity (MRU) organized the program at 3 pm on Friday (November 21).

At the program, the organization's convener Shahriar Naeem said, "Journalists work to reveal the truth, and are repeatedly subjected to torture for speaking the truth. This is unacceptable in any civilized country. We want to say clearly - we want justice for all attacks on journalists, and we will not tolerate any false cases." He also said, "Freedom of the media is not a luxury, it is the main foundation of democracy. Ensuring the safety of journalists is the responsibility of the state."

Joint Convener Sohag Khan said, “The recent increase in attacks, threats and false cases against journalists is worrying. We want this to stop immediately. Those who attack journalists must be brought to justice.”

Also speaking, Multimedia Reporters Unity (MRU) members Misbah Uddin, Yasin Arafat, Zahirul Islam Ratul, Arafat Himel, Zahirul Islam Sagar, Sujan, Abdur Rahman Ishan, Mahbub Alam, Abir, Zakir, Roni, Asif, Monir, Alamgir and Bappi expressed solidarity with the program.

The speakers also said that journalists are the voice of the people of the country. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the state and society to protect their safety and professional independence. They said that MRU will remain on the field until every incident of journalist torture is brought to justice.

Members of Multimedia Reporters Unity and journalists from various media outlets were present at the program.