July Journalists Unity(JJU) launched in Barishal
Barishal Bureau
The July Journalists Unity (JJU), an organization of journalists who participated in and supported the mass uprising, has been launched. The new organization was launched at a function at the National Press Club.
Face the People Editor Saifur Sagar was elected as the convener and Channel i's Ahsan Kamrul was elected as the Member Aecretary.
Samsiara Zaman, mother of martyred journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo, announced the committee at a launch event and discussion meeting at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club on Thursday.
Other members of the convening committee are: Joint Convener Lutfar Rahman Badal - Publisher, Daily Jatiya Economist; Talukder Rumi - Editor, Daily Panjeri; Mahmud Rakib - Ekhon TV; Akhtar Habib - Channel i; Shimul Parvez - The New Nation; Riazur Rahman Riaz - Daily Industry; Israfil Farazi - Daily Janakantha. Joint member secretaries are Abdur Rahim - Daily Janakantha; Kefayet Shakil - Banglavision; Nurul Islam Khan Mamun - VOD Bangla; Obaidur Rahman - Freelance Journalist; AKM Rezaul Karim - Freelance Journalist, Ashraf Farooqui - Agrajatra Pratidin; Nizam Uddin Darvesh - Daily Bartaman; Rahmatullah - Daily Rupali Bangladesh. Members are: Khomeini Ehsan - Editor, Online Bangla; Al Imran - ATN Bangla; Antu Mojahid - Asia Post; Jalal Ahmed - Daily Jaya Zaydin; Rakesh Rahman - Freelance Journalist; Sajjad Hossain - Sonali News; Fakhrul Islam - Multimedia Head, Daily Ittefaq; Abu Bakar Siddique - RTNN; Miftahul Jannat - Daily Manabzamin; Farzana Bobby - Banglanews; Tasbir Iqbal - Bangladesh Times; Morshedul Alam - Notun Asha; Kefayet Rumi - Desh Panthar; Mehedi Hasan Bappi - Desh TV; Rashed Manik - Channel i; Omar Farooq - Banglavision, HM Imran Hossain - Star News, Mehraj Rabbi - Azad Bani.
Convener Saifur Sagar said: July Journalists Unity (JJU) was formed due to the need of the hour. It is open to all pro-July journalists. The journalists of July will work unitedly to keep the media on the right path.
Member Secretary Ahsan Kamrul said: "Even though the media could not play the right role in the July Uprising, people still have expectations from the media. We have united to work with journalists who participated in the July Uprising to fulfill that expectation. We want independent journalism, but we will also work to ensure that no one can create a narrative in favor of the July genocide perpetrators."
Jahangirnagar University Vice Chancellor Dr. Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan said, "Before criticizing others, we need to self-criticize ourselves. We should not become like our predecessors. Therefore, instead of saying things that hurt someone, we should do creative work including hair-raising plays, movies, and songs."
Dhaka College Principal AKM Elias said, the coup would not have been possible without the participation of journalists. Even though they were a small part, they had support. Instead of partisanship, they should continue to work for the country.
Photographer Shahidul Alam said that it was journalists who hung Sheikh Hasina's picture in the press club. So that the same kind of thing does not happen again. Journalism must be done impartially for the people of the country, so that journalists do not have to flee if the government changes.
JJU joint convener Talukder Rumi said, "Many journalists fought for freedom even during fascism. They were deprived at that time, and they are still deprived. JJU will continue to work to ensure that the journalists of July get their fair share."
JJU member and editor of Online Bangla, Khomeini Ehsan, said in his welcome speech: This is an initiative that focuses on ensuring the right to speak the truth without fear. The organization's commitment is to ensure that threats of attacks, lawsuits, and dismissals do not stop journalists from writing. Our position is in favor of journalistic freedom, professional dignity, and the people's right to know.
Also speaking at the event were Kabir Hossain, father of martyr Jabir Ibrahim, and Shamsiara Zaman, mother of martyred journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo. They expressed hope that this organization would emerge, albeit late. However, care must be taken that even the worst enemies do not fall victim to injustice.
Prominent educationists, the family of the July martyrs, and journalist leaders were present at the event.
