Minara Helen: Journalists and Writers Society of New York held a protest rally demanding the release of Prothom Alo’s reporter Shamsuzzaman working in Savar and the repeal of the Digital Security Act. Local journalists and writers took part in the protest held at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights, New York City on Sunday (April 1) evening local time.
The gathering was conducted by Prothom Alo North America Editor Ibrahim Chowdhury Khokon. In the meeting, the speakers expressed their anger over the demand for the immediate release of journalist Shamsuzzaman detained in the harassment case and the filing of a case under the Digital Security Act against Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman.
They said that depriving journalists of their freedom to write and speak with a black law cannot continue in a democratic and free country. If someone is offended by any report or news, they can protest. You can go to the Press Council for redressal. But harassment of journalists cannot be tolerated with a restrictive law. Journalists demanded immediate cancellation of this black law.
New York Bangladesh Press Club president Abu Taher, journalist Akbar Haider Kiran, New York Kagoj contributing editor Monwarul Islam, journalist Manjurul Islam, Abid Rahman, Tofazzal Liton, Zaman Tapan, Rowshan Haque, Moniza Rahman, Afroza Islam, writer Mahmudul Chowdhury, Mofizul Islam Nizam, Syed Fazlur Rahman and brave freedom fighter Advocate Akhtar Hossain spoke at the protest meeting.
The speakers in the rally demanded immediate withdrawal of the case filed against Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman and its own reporter Shamsuzzaman’s unconditional release and cancellation of the Digital Security Act.
BP/SM
