Jhalkathi, Aug 20 (V7N) — In reaction to the attack on the East-West Media Complex, journalists in Jhalkathi staged a human chain protest. On Tuesday at noon, they assembled for a one-hour demonstration outside the Jhalkathi Press Club. Reporters from various electronic and print media outlets in the district joined the protest, expressing their disapproval of the persistent attacks, legal threats, and looting targeting journalists and media organizations.

The protest was organized by SM Rezaul Karim, correspondent for Bangladesh Pratidin, News 24, and Daily Sun. Among the speakers were Dulal Saha, a veteran journalist and former Deputy Commander of the District Freedom Fighters' Association; Polash Roy of Somoy Television; senior lawyer and journalist Nasir Uddin Kabir; Azmir Hossain Talukdar, President of the Jhalkathi Television Journalists Association; Asam Mahmudur Rahman Parvez, Joint Secretary of the Jhalkathi Press Club; Md. Edamul Haque Swapan, President of the Jhalkathi branch of the National Journalists' Association; and Rahim Reza from Independent Television. The demonstration saw participation from journalists and various other professionals.

The journalists voiced their concerns over the recent violent attack and vandalism at the East-West Media Complex, the country's largest media group. The assailants targeted offices of Bangladesh Pratidin, Kaler Kantho, News 24, T Sports, BanglaNews24.com, and FM Radio Capital, injuring several reporters in the process. The journalists condemned the attackers as adversaries of independent journalism.

They highlighted that journalists have frequently faced efforts to silence them by those in power. Reporting on societal issues, corruption, and misconduct often results in violence and legal harassment. In light of these incidents, the journalists are calling for justice for the attacks on media personnel nationwide and the implementation of a law to ensure journalist protection.

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