Staff Reporter :
Anti-Discrimination Journalists’ Society (ADJS) formed a human chain at the National Press Club, advocating for a significant reform in membership policies.
The demonstration, led by Mashiur Rahman, former Training and Research Secretary of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) and Kamruzzaman Bablu.
They formed a human chain in protest against the current membership practices of the Press Club. The group’s primary demand was the removal of memberships granted to amateur journalists and the inclusion of more professional journalists, who they argue have been unfairly excluded.The protestors, including notable figures such as former DRU Cultural Secretary Monirul Islam and former DRU Training and Research Secretary Mohsin Hossain, expressed frustration over what they perceive as bias in the Press Club’s membership practices. They allege that the club has become a stronghold for those affiliated with the ruling party, marginalizing professional journalists and those critical of the government. This, they argue, undermines the integrity and independence of the journalistic profession.
During the demonstration, which saw the participation of over fifty journalists, the protestors called for an immediate revocation of memberships held by journalists they describe as “collaborators” who they believe have compromised journalistic standards for political gain.
They issued a formal memorandum to this effect and warned of more severe actions if their demands are not addressed promptly. The event underscored the ongoing tensions within the media community regarding professional standards and political influence.