Satkhira Correspondent

'Affected media means an attacked state' or 'Journalism is not a crime' - World Press Freedom Day was celebrated in Satkhira with slogans and a protest atmosphere. On the occasion of the day, journalists working in the district held a sit-in program at the foot of the Satkhira Central Shaheed Minar on Sunday morning.

Civil society representatives also participated in the program organized by the Satkhira Journalists Center in solidarity. During the sit-in, journalists tied black cloths over their hands, faces, and eyes and held a silent protest. During the sit-in, they demanded the withdrawal of political cases filed against journalists and the unconditional release of imprisoned journalists.

The speakers in the program said that currently, the main obstacle to independent journalism is the filing of cases against journalists with political labels. These evil tactics are being chosen to silence the voices of the pen warriors. Whenever a journalist is revealing the truth, the sword of attack and lawsuit is coming down on him. They even alleged that fear is being created by carrying out 'mob terrorism' in the media offices.

The placards and banners displayed at the sit-in program raised demands such as 'Freedom of the media consolidates democracy', 'Free media is essential for democratic transition' and 'Stop attacks and cases against journalists'.

The program, chaired by Abdus Samad, President of Satkhira Journalists' Center, and moderated by General Secretary Ahsan Rajib, was addressed by Ashek-e-Elah, Torch Editor of Daily Dakshin, Advocate Sheikh Azad Hossain Belal, Convener of District Citizens' Committee, Sanak-Satkhira President Taieb Hasan Babu, Mangrove Editor poet S. M. Tuhin.

Expressing solidarity, writers Sheikh Siddiqur Rahman, Moniruzzaman Munna, Nazmul Haque and representatives of various electronic and print media working in the district also spoke. The speakers urged the government to immediately withdraw all 'false' cases filed against journalists and ensure a free working environment for the media.