Gazipur Correspondent:
The day-long event, held at the Gazipur Zilla Parishad Auditorium on Saturday (May 16), saw a festive atmosphere in the auditorium, attended by journalists, dignitaries, political leaders, law enforcement officials and well-wishers from different parts of the district.
The 4th anniversary of Gazipur Journalists Unity, one of the organizations of working journalists in Gazipur, was celebrated with grand arrangements, keeping in mind the demands for professional dignity, security, fair pay and unity of journalists.
The long-standing deprivation, professional uncertainty and strong demands for the realization of rights of journalists emerged throughout the event.
The speakers said that many journalists, who work as the fourth pillar of the state and the mirror of society, are deprived of fair honor, job security and social status today. Journalists are performing their duties despite facing various pressures and risks on the path of revealing the truth. Therefore, effective initiatives to ensure the rights of journalists are the biggest demand of the time. At this time, the administrator of Gazipur City Corporation, Md. Shawkat Hossain Sarkar, was present as the chief guest.
Additional Police Commissioner of Gazipur Metropolitan Police, Mohammad Taherul Haque Chauhan, spoke as the main discussant.
He said, “In the reality of the state structure, many things are not possible immediately. However, everyone must remain united in the interest of the country and the people. Even if a case is filed without specific information, it is not possible to bring anyone under the law. There is no room for misunderstanding the police administration. True and responsible journalism moves society forward.”
Abul Bashar, representative of Gazipur Police Superintendent Md. Sharif Uddin, Advocate Abdus Salam and Supreme Court lawyer, former Ward No. 40 Councilor Nazrul Islam Khan Biki, Ward No. 25 Councilor candidate Md. Habibur Rahman Sarkar, Azizul Mokshud Fakir, Organizing Secretary of Gacha Thana BNP Shahin Mia, Daily Sakaler Somoy Gazipur District Correspondent Journalist Abid Hossain Bulbul, Daily Alokot Bangladesh Gazipur District Correspondent Abul Hossain Chowdhury, President of Gazipur Central Press Club Abdul Wahab Rinku, Shahid Mia, General Secretary of Gazipur Journalists Unity Council Md. Rafiq, President of National Journalists Association Gazipur District Committee Md. Rafiqul Islam, General Secretary of Dhaka Press Club Md. Mosleh Uddin Bachchu, Editor and Publisher of Daily Konthbani Jane – A – Alam, Editor and Publisher of Weekly Bhawal Md. Moniruzzaman, etc. Among others, Md. Zahid Hasan Jihad and all members of Gazipur Journalists Unity and journalists from various print and electronic media were also present.
In the president’s speech, President of Gazipur Journalists Unity Md. Akhtar Hossain gave an emotional speech on the rights of journalists.
He said, “Many colleagues still do not receive regular salaries. Numerous journalists from electronic and print media are living inhumane lives. In order to live with dignity with their families, it is important to ensure official registration, job security and monthly salary structure for journalists.
Realistic policies for the welfare of journalists are the need of the hour.”
He also said, “Unity, not division, will be the greatest strength among journalists. The voice of journalists for truth and justice can never be stopped, journalists must work as friends of journalists, not as enemies.”
The program was hosted by Haiul Uddin Khan, founder general secretary of Journalists Unity. Executive President Md. Jasim Uddin and Senior Vice President Md. Abu Salek Bhuiyan delivered welcome speeches.
After the discussion meeting, the entire venue was filled with social gatherings, lunch, exchange of greetings and cordial chats.
The organizers said, “This event is to further strengthen the professional unity, mutual cooperation, and commitment of journalists to reveal the truth. Gazipur Journalist Unity will always play a leading role in the movement to achieve the rights of the journalist community in Gazipur.”
