Dhaka: Leaders of journalist organisations on Wednesday demanded justice for those responsible for killings during the July mass uprising, rehabilitation of the injured and exemplary punishment for those involved. They made the demands at a rally and discussion organised by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) at the National Press Club to mark the second anniversary of the fall of the Awami League government and the victory of the student-people’s movement.

According to United News of Bangladesh, the journalist organisations earlier led a victory procession from the National Press Club, which paraded different streets in the capital before returning to the Press Club premises. The rally was marked by fervent calls for accountability and justice for the atrocities committed during the uprising.

BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, speaking at the rally, emphasized the need for an investigation into the killings and human rights violations that took place during the movement. He insisted that those responsible be brought to justice without delay. DUJ President Md Shahidul Islam echoed these sentiments, stressing that the sacrifices made by students, citizens, and journalists during the July-August uprising must be honoured by ensuring exemplary punishment for those responsible.

Islam further stated that the journalist community expects the government to ensure quick and impartial justice against those accused of killings and alleged embezzlement of state funds. The leaders also called for unity among media professionals to protect democracy, freedom of expression, and people’s rights.

Among the attendees at the programme were Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Managing Director and Chief Editor Kamal Uddin Shabuj, Principal Information Officer of the Press Information Department Syed Abdal Ahmed, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, and Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust Managing Director Mohammad Abdul Basir.