At a gathering in front of the National Press Club, press leaders yesterday issued an ultimatum to the police to arrest those involved in the attempted kidnapping of Shahed Chowdhury.
The police have been given a 48 hour deadline to arrest the would-be kidnappers of Dhaka Reporters Unity president Shahed Chowdhury. Chowdhury is the city editor of the Bangla language daily, Shomokal.
The attempted kidnapping took place at Bijoy Sarani on Sunday. When the kidnapping attempt failed, death threats were made against Chowdhury.
“Shahed Chowdhury could be abducted or killed. The police have failed to give journalists any protection. The police have 48 hours to arrest the criminals. If they are not arrested within 48 hours, tougher programmes will be announced,” Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) President Shawkat Mahmud said.
The last few years have seen the murder of 24 journalists, including the slaying of Sagor and Runi.
Shahed Chowdhury attended the event along with leaders and members of the National Press Club, Dhaka Union of Journalists, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, Dhaka Reporters Unity, Crime Reporters Association, Photo Journalists Association and Diplomatic Journalists Association.
