BM Report:

Journalist leaders gathered at a memorial meeting to mark the 20th anniversary of Ekushey Padak-winning journalist Manik Saha’s murder, demanding an exemplary trial for the perpetrators.

The meeting, organized by Manik Saha’s friends at Tofazzal Hossain Manik Mia Hall of the National Press Club on Monday.

Every speaker at the gathering emphasized the importance of justice and remembering the sacrifices made by journalists such as Manik Saha.

Former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University AAMS Arefin Siddique highlighted Manik Saha’s fearless commitment to truth and the inevitability of an attack on him due to his dedication to journalism.  He emphasized the responsibility to keep the sacrifice of Manik Saha alive and called for efforts to prevent a farcical trial in journalist murder cases.

Mujahidul Islam Selim, former president of the Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB), expressed concerns about the fairness of trials and suggested the formation of a task force to unveil the real planners behind Manik Saha’s murder. He underscored the need for a long-term movement to demand a fair trial in the case.

Omar Faruk, President of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), stressed the ongoing demand for justice in Manik Saha’s murder case even after two decades. He lamented the lack of prosecution for the murder and torture of journalists, stating that journalism, culture, and everything are under attack.

Shyamal Dutta, National Press Club General Secretary, called for the formation of a public inquiry commission to investigate Manik Saha’s murder. He criticized the controversial verdict of 2006 in the murder trial and highlighted Saha’s unwavering stance in favor of liberation war and equality.

CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince emphasized Saha’s resistance against communal forces and discrimination. He suggested that integrity can be restored in Bangladesh by defeating immorality, leading to a fair trial in the murder case.

The memorial meeting, moderated by senior journalist Nikhil Bhadra, included the presence of notable figures such as former president of Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Mujahidul Islam Selim, former president of National Press Club Saiful Alam, vice-president of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists Manik Lal Ghosh, Executive Editor of Channel News24 Rahul Raha, Organizing Secretary of Bangladesh Udichi Shilpi Gosthi Bimal Kanti and cultural activist Pulak Raha