Prothom Alo Editor: Editors’ Council concerned at charge framing
The Sampadak Parishad expressed grave concern about the charges pressed against Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman and nine others even though he was not present at the event where student Naimul Abrar Rahat died after being electrocuted.
The Sampadak Parishad's (Editors' Council's) concern was expressed at a virtual meeting held on November 21 and November 26, 2020.
The meetings were presided over by Mahfuz Anam, president of the parishad.
On November 1 last year, during the year-ending programme of Kishore Alo, a publication of the Prothom Alo, a student of Residential Model School and College, Abrar, died in tragic circumstances when he accidentally came in contact with a live electric wire.
Following the incident, a case was filed against Matiur Rahman and others even though he was not present on the occasion.
While expressing its highest regard for the judiciary and rule of law, the parishad respectfully expressed concern about filing charges against someone who was not at the location of the incident.
The parishad hoped that no external factors will influence the due process of justice.
Parishad members also discussed the effect of the pandemic on the journalism industry, its uncertain future, the decreasing flow of advertisements and falling subscription numbers.
Concern was expressed at the rising prosecution of media workers using the Digital Security Act and the harassment of editors and senior reporters.
The participants expressed deep sorrow at the death of the parishad's founding member Khandaker Muniruzzaman, editor of Sangbad, and conveyed their deepest condolences to the bereaved family. A decision was taken to organise a memorial webinar in remembrance of the veteran journalist.
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