Protest rally in N’ganj demanding justice for the murders of Sagar-Runi and all journalists, along with 21 other demands

Staff Correspondent :
A human chain and protest rally were held in Narayanganj demanding justice for all journalist killings, including that of Sagar and Runi. The participants also called for the implementation of the Ninth Wage Board, the formation of the Tenth Wage Board, the reinstatement of dismissed journalists, and the assurance of professional safety through a 21-point demand. The program took place on Saturday (November 1) at 11 a.m. in front of the Narayanganj Press Club, organized by the Narayanganj Union of Journalists as part of a central campaign. The event was presided over by the Union’s president, Abu Saud Masud, and conducted by A.K.M. Mahfuzur Rahman. Speakers at the rally included A.R. Forrukh Ahmed Khasru, Executive Editor of The New Nation; Niaz Md. Masum, General Secretary of Fatullah Press Club; senior journalist Monir Hossain; Bangladesh Pratidin’s Rupganj correspondent Jahangir Alam Hanif; Bangladesh Bulletin journalist Uzzal Hossain Masum; Daily Yad staff reporter Mehbub Mia; Daily Purvabash Joint Editor Sonia Dewan Preeti; and Daily Desh journalist Mokhlesur Rahman Tota, among others.During the rally, speakers declared that the policy of “No Wage Board, No Media” must be implemented. They demanded that journalists’ minimum monthly salary be set at 35,000 taka, that the Ninth Wage Board be enforced and the Tenth Wage Board established across print, electronic, and online media. Other demands included enacting a Journalist Protection Policy, ensuring two weekly holidays for journalists, bringing justice for the murder of journalist couple Sagar- Runi and others, repealing all laws restricting media freedom, and establishing a separate labor court to ensure journalists receive their legal dues. Speakers urged the current interim government to promptly fulfill these demands to protect the rights, safety, and dignity of journalists.