Press Freedom Day observed in Barishal

On the occasion  of World Press Freedom Day, journalists in Barishal yesterday sought a safer work environment and demanded assurance of their livelihoods.

They also demanded repealing of Digital Security Act and sought equal payments for journalists outside Dhaka.

Speakers made the demands at a discussion organised by Barishal Reporters Unity at its office. It was presided over by the organisation's president Nazrul Biswas.

Journalists Mohammad Ali Khan Jasim, Gazi Shahriaj, Kamrul Ahasan, Sushanta Ghosh, and Mithun Saha  addressed the programme, among others.

They said the freedom of journalists is being endangered again and again. This is not only due to influential people or because of the Digital Security Act, but also because journalists don't have any financial safety.

Moreover, the profession as a whole is losing its attractiveness due to low wages, the speakers observed.

Given the difficulties, everyone must come forward to ensure a free mass media, they said.

Meanwhile in Patuakhali, Patuakhali Press Club held a human chain marking the day, reports our local correspondent. Journalists also brought out a procession on the occasison.