Kamrul Hasan: Journalists have staged a human chain and protest program in Savar condemning the attack on and attempted abduction of Deewan Imon, local correspondent of Deepto TV, following the publication of news reports on alleged corruption involving Savar Sub-Registrar Zakir Hossain.

The program was held on Tuesday (April 28) at noon in front of the Savar Model Police Station. More than a hundred journalists working in Savar, Ashulia, and Dhamrai participated in the demonstration. Later, they observed a one-hour “pen down” strike as part of the protest.

Speakers at the human chain said that, angered by news publications, Sub-Registrar Zakir Hossain and his associates attempted to forcibly abduct Deepto TV reporter Deewan Imon. They stated that this was not merely an attack on a journalist, but a direct assault on press freedom, freedom of expression, and democratic values.

They further emphasized that ensuring the safety of journalists is the responsibility of the state. Such attacks or abduction attempts are completely unacceptable, they said, demanding swift legal action against those responsible and exemplary punishment. They also called for ensuring a safe working environment for all journalists and media personnel.

The speakers demanded the removal of Savar Sub-Registrar Zakir Hossain within 72 hours, along with departmental and legal action against him. They also warned of stricter movements if their demands are not met. They added that even stronger programs will be announced if such incidents recur in the future.

The human chain was conducted by journalist and cultural personality Tofail Hossain Tofasani. Among those who spoke were Nazmul Huda, President of Savar Press Club; Ziaur Rahman, General Secretary; Saddam Hossain, President of Savar Upazila Journalists Association; Md. Omar Faruk, General Secretary of Ashulia Press Club; former President Mozzafar Hossain Joy; former General Secretary Mahfuzur Rahman Nipu; Adnan Hossain, President of Dhamrai Reporters Club; Imdadul Haque, Office Secretary of Savar Press Club; Humayun Kabir, reporter of Ekattor TV; journalist and labor leader Ahmed Jibon, among others.

Others present included Omar Faruk of Kaler Kantho, Mahidul Islam Mahi of Channel One, Raiyan Bin Amin of 71 TV, Ahmed Sohan Siraji of Star TV, Rakib Hasan of Nagarik TV, Rajib Mahmud of Channel S, Shahadat Hossain Manik of Ashulia, Sirajul Islam of Dhamrai, Omar Faruk of Manabkantha, Shamin Hossain of Daily Sangram, Mehedi Hasan Manik of Daily Sun, Md. Saifullah of Bhorer Kagoj, Al-Mamun of Janakantha, Rashedul Islam Sohan of Bangla News, Shakil Hasan of BD24Live, Shahin Alam of Global TV, and many others.

It is noted that recently, former Chhatra League leader and Savar Sub-Registrar Zakir Hossain came under criticism after Deepto TV correspondent Deewan Imon published reports on his alleged irregularities and corruption.

On Monday afternoon, when he and several journalists went to gather news related to document writers’ association elections, Sub-Registrar Zakir Hossain allegedly attacked them with his associates and attempted to forcibly abduct reporter Deewan Imon.