The July Journalists’ Unity (JJU), an organisation of journalists who participated in or supported the July mass uprising, has formally made its debut. The new platform was launched at an event held at the National Press Club.

Saifur Sagor, editor of Face the People, was elected convener, while Channel i’s Ahsan Kamrul was elected member secretary.

The committee was announced by Shamsiyara Zaman, mother of martyred journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo, at the launch and discussion programme held at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club on Thursday (September 10).

The other members of the convening committee are Joint Conveners Lutfur Rahman Badal, publisher of Dainik Jatiya Arthaniti; Talukder Rumi, editor of Dainik Panjeri; Mahmud Rakib of Ekattor TV; Akhtar Habib of Channel i; Shimul Parvez of The New Nation; Riazur Rahman Riaz of Daily Industry; and Israfil Farazi of Dainik Janakantha.

The joint member secretaries are Abdur Rahim of Dainik Janakantha; Kefaet Shakil of Banglavision; Nurul Islam Khan Mamun of VOD Bangla; Obaidur Rahman, freelance journalist; AKM Rezaul Karim, freelance journalist; Nizam Uddin Darbesh of Dainik Bartaman; and Rahmatullah of Dainik Rupali Bangladesh.

The members include Khomeni Ehsan, editor of Online Bangla; Al Imran of ATN Bangla; Ontu Mojahid of Asia Post; Jalal Ahmed of Dainik Jaijaidin; Rakesh Rahman, freelance journalist; Sajjad Hossain of Sonali News; Fakhrul Islam, digital head of Dainik Ittefaq; Abu Bakar Siddique of RTNN; Miftahul Jannat of Dainik Manabzamin; Farzana Boby of Banglanews; Tasbir Iqbal of Bangladesh Times; Morshedul Alam of Natun Asha; Kefaet Rumi of Desh Rupantor; Mehedi Hasan Bappi of Desh TV; Rashed Manik of Channel i; Omar Faruk of Banglavision; HM Imran Hossain of Star News; and Mehraj Rabbi of Azad Bani.

Convener Saifur Sagor said, “July Journalists’ Unity (JJU) has been formed out of the need of the time. It is open to all pro-July journalists. Journalists of the July movement will work together to keep the mass media on the right track.”

Member Secretary Ahsan Kamrul said, “Although the media could not play the proper role during the July mass uprising, people still have expectations from the media. We have united with the goal of working with journalists who participated in the July mass uprising to fulfil those expectations.”

Jahangirnagar University Vice-Chancellor Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan said, “Before criticising others, we must engage in self-criticism. We must ensure that we do not become like our predecessors. Instead of words that hurt others, we need to create creative works, including dramas, films and songs, that make people’s hair stand on end.”

Dhaka College Principal AKM Ilias said the uprising would not have been possible without the participation of journalists. Even if their contribution was limited, they supported the movement. He urged them to continue working for the country instead of falling into partisan blindness.

Photographer Shahidul Alam said journalists themselves had hung Sheikh Hasina’s portrait at the Press Club. He urged journalists to ensure that such incidents do not happen again. He called for impartial journalism in the interests of the people so that journalists would not have to flee the country whenever there is a change of government.

JJU Joint Convener Talukder Rumi said many journalists had participated in movements and struggles even during the period of fascism. They were deprived at that time and remain deprived today. He said JJU would continue working to secure the rightful share of July journalists.

Khomeni Ehsan, a JJU member and editor of Online Bangla, said in his welcome speech, “This is an initiative centred on ensuring the right to speak the truth without fear. The commitment of this organisation is to ensure that threats of attacks, lawsuits and job losses cannot silence a journalist’s pen. Our position is in favour of press freedom, professional dignity and the people’s right to know.”

Kobir Hossain, father of martyred Jabir Ibrahim, and Shamsiyara Zaman, mother of martyred journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo, also spoke at the event. They expressed hope over the organisation’s launch, saying that although it came late, it was still a welcome initiative. They also stressed that even the most bitter opponent should not become a victim of injustice.

Prominent academics, families of those killed during the July uprising and leaders of the journalist community were present at the event.