Bangladeshi journalists on Monday observed International Day of Solidarity in support of Palestinian journalists.
The Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate (PJS), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), the Federation of Arab Journalists (FAJ) and its associates have declared February 26 as the International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian journalists.
Responding to this call from Bangladesh, the country's journalists, media workers and activists gathered at the Saarce Fountain in Karwan Bazar at 5pm on Monday.
In the program, they expressed their solidarity with the struggle of Palestinian journalists.
Palestinian media reports that Israeli attacks in Gaza have claimed the lives of 132 journalists since October 7.
More than 75% of journalists killed worldwide in 2023 were Palestinians, according to a report released on February 15 by the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a global organization that promotes the rights and protection of journalists.
In Gaza, targets have included journalists and their families as well.
Regarding this matter Journalist Samia Rahman Preema said: “Today we have got together to support and ensure the security of journalists of Gaza and also to support the International Day of Solidarity in support of Palestinian Journalists. As you know all the since October 7, 2023, 132 journalists have been killed in Gaza and their families are also been targeted. ”
The New Age’s journalist Saydia Gulrukh said: “Journalists Syndicate (PJS), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and the Federation of Arab Journalists (FAJ) have together announced February 26 as the International Day of Solidarity to support the journalists of Palestine. We have shown solidarity with this day and gathered here.”
“We as journalists think that we have to raise our voices against any injustice. It is a part of free journalism. The belligerent states, the member states of the European Union, are taking steps against the journalists in Ukraine, but they are not talking about the journalists in Gaza. As conscientious journalists, we think we should question the powerful political position. It is necessary to speak out against the so-called freedom that belligerent states are talking about and remain silent on this Gaza matter. Today we are here to speak out about this.”
Many journalists from different media backgrounds also attended the program to support the International Day of Solidarity in support of Palestinian journalists.
As part of this International Day of Solidarity day's activities, the “one minute silence” program has been observed by journalists and media workers from different parts of the world.
