Staff Correspondent: The July Journalists’ Unity (JJU), a platform of journalists who participated in or supported the July mass uprising, has formally launched with a pledge to uphold press freedom, professional dignity, accountability and the public’s right to information.

The organisation made its debut at an inaugural programme and discussion held at the Jahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the National Press Club in Dhaka on Thursday, September 10.

The convening committee was announced by Shamsiara Zaman, mother of martyred journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo.

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

The organisation said it aims to bring together journalists committed to the spirit of the July uprising and work collectively to protect journalists’ rights and strengthen professional standards.

Lutfur Rahman Badal, publisher of Dainik Jatiya Arthaniti; Talukder Rumi, editor of Dainik Panjeri; Mahmud Rakib of Ekon TV; Akhtar Habib of Channel i; Syed Shemul Parvez of The New Nation; Riazur Rahman Riaz of Daily Industry; and Israfil Farazi of Dainik Janakantha were named joint conveners.

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

Other members of the committee include Khomeni Ehsan, editor of Online Bangla; Al Imran of ATN Bangla; Ontu Mojahid of Asia Post; Jalal Ahmed of Dainik Jayjaydin; freelance journalist Rakesh Rahman; Sazzad Hossain of Sonali News; Fakhrul Islam, digital head of Dainik Ittefaq; Abu Bakar Siddique of RTNN; Miftahul Jannat of Dainik Manabzamin; Farzana Bobby of BanglaNews; Tasbir Iqbal of Bangladesh Times; Morshed Alam of Notun Asha; Kefayet 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.

Speaking at the event, JJU Convener Saifur Sagor said the organisation had been formed in response to the demands of the time and would remain open to journalists who support the spirit of the July uprising.

“Journalists of the July movement will remain united and work together to put the media on the right track,” he said.

Member Secretary Ahsan Kamrul said mainstream media had failed to play an appropriate role during the July mass uprising, but people continued to have expectations from the media.

“We have united with the aim of working with journalists who participated in the July uprising to fulfil those expectations,” he said.

Professor Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan, vice-chancellor of Jahangirnagar University, called for greater self-criticism within the media profession.

“We must critically examine ourselves before criticising others. We should not become like those who came before us,” he said.

He also urged journalists and others to promote creative and inspiring work while avoiding expressions that could unnecessarily hurt people.

AKM Elias, principal of Dhaka College, said journalists’ participation had been important to the uprising, noting that even limited support from journalists had contributed to the movement.

He urged journalists to continue working in the national interest rather than becoming blinded by political allegiance.

Renowned photographer Shahidul Alam recalled that journalists had once displayed Sheikh Hasina’s photograph at the Press Club and warned against repeating such practices.

“Journalism must be conducted impartially for the people of the country so that journalists do not have to flee when the government changes,” he said.

Journalist and political analyst Syed Shemul Parvez, a joint convener of the JJU, highlighted the role of multimedia journalists, content creators and mobile journalists during the July uprising.

“If multimedia journalists, content creators and mobile journalists had not come forward during the July mass uprising, the fall of the Hasina government would have been almost impossible,” he said.

Parvez alleged that many mainstream media outlets had acted as “subservient supporters and servants” of the then authoritarian government and called for an end to such practices.

“We do not want to see any journalist in Bangladesh serving as a stooge or blindly serving those in power in the days ahead,” he said.

Another joint convener, Talukder Rumi, said many journalists had participated in political movements and struggles even during the period of authoritarian rule.

“They were deprived then, and they are still deprived,” he said, adding that the JJU would work to secure the legitimate rights and due recognition of journalists associated with the July movement.

In his welcome speech, JJU member and Online Bangla editor Khomeni Ehsan said the organisation had been founded on the principle that journalists should be able to speak the truth without fear.

“The commitment of this organisation is to ensure that attacks, lawsuits or threats of dismissal cannot silence a journalist’s pen,” he said.

“Our position is in favour of press freedom, professional dignity and the people’s right to know,” Ehsan added.

Kabir Hossain, father of martyred Jabi Ibrahim, and Shamsiara Zaman, mother of martyred journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo, also addressed the programme.

They welcomed the formation of the organisation, saying that although it had come into being somewhat late, they hoped it would play a meaningful role. They also stressed that even an extreme opponent should not be subjected to injustice.

The programme was attended by academics, families of those killed during the July uprising, journalists, media professionals and representatives of the journalism community.