Rangpur, Jan 11, (V7N) - The Rangpur Journalists Union has called for a historic division-wide journalists' gathering to be held on January 11 at the Town Hall Art Academy grounds. The meeting will highlight key demands such as the official recognition of the journalism profession, ending pay and wage disparity, the repeal of the Cybersecurity Act, media freedom, the implementation of a journalists' protection law, and the establishment of a fascism-free media.

The gathering, scheduled for Saturday (January 11) morning, will be addressed by the acting president of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, and the general secretary of BFUJ, Kader Gani Chowdhury, as the keynote speaker. Other special guests include BFUJ Assistant Secretary Dr. Sadikul Islam Sopan, Organizational Secretary Erfanul Haque Nahid, Dhaka Journalists Union (DUJ) President Shahidul Islam, the publisher and editor of the Daily Juger Alor and Board Member of Bangladesh News Agency (BSS), Momtaz Shirin Borsha.

The event will be inaugurated by Shamshi Ara Jamana Kali, mother of martyred journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo of the 24th July Revolution, and a member of the July Memorial Foundation. Additionally, the Division Commissioner of Rangpur, Shahidul Islam, the DIG of Rangpur Range, Aminul Islam, Rangpur Metropolitan Police Commissioner Majid Ali, District Commissioner of Rangpur Mohammad Rabiul Faisal, and the Superintendent of Police Abu Saim will be present as honored guests.

Rangpur Journalists Union (RPUJ) General Secretary and Senior Journalist of Jamuna TV, Government Mazharul Mannan, mentioned that this rally aims to address long-standing issues including the unsolved murder case of journalist couple Sagar-Runi and other unsolved journalist deaths. He emphasized the importance of ensuring safety for journalists, guaranteeing justice for journalists' killings, and demanding recognition of their rights.

Organizing Efforts for the Event:
RPUJ President and Senior Investigative Journalist, Salequzzaman, highlighted that the promotional efforts for this event are in the final stages, including posters, leaflets, and banners being put up across the city, and a public announcement via loudspeakers. The journalists are eagerly waiting for the event, which is expected to inspire journalists across the country to advocate for their rights.

Rangpur Reporters Club and RPUJ executive member and Bangla TV Bureau Chief, SM Rafat Hossain Bandhan, stated that they are making the utmost effort to ensure the success of the event. He further mentioned that the event will be an inspiration for all journalists in the country, especially to honor the martyrs of the 24th July revolution and fight for the rights and safety of journalists.

Key Demands to be Raised:
The primary demands to be raised during this historic gathering include:

Recognition of journalism as a profession

Addressing wage and pay disparity

Repealing the Cybersecurity Act

Guaranteeing media freedom

Enacting a journalists' protection law

Establishing a fascism-free media

The gathering will act as a call for unity among journalists, hoping to shape the future of the profession and ensure the safety, freedom, and recognition of journalists across Bangladesh.

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