DUJ strongly condemns journalist layoffs at Bangladesh Pratidin, warns of tough protest movement

On Tuesday (4 August), this condemnation and protest was expressed in a press release signed by DUJ President Md. Shahidul Islam and General Secretary Khurshid Alam.

In the release, DUJ leaders said, the lifeblood of a media outlet is its journalists. The credibility and success of a media depend on their labour, talent, sacrifice and professionalism. Bangladesh Pratidin's journalists have proven that capability through long-term efficiency.

They further said, sacking a large number of journalists at once without following due process, without considering labour laws and journalists' legitimate rights, is unjust, inhuman and contrary to labour rights. Such a decision not only makes the livelihoods of the concerned journalists uncertain, but also creates an atmosphere of fear, uncertainty and instability in the overall media industry.

DUJ leaders expressed deep concern over the series of journalist layoffs in various establishments of Bashundhara Media Limited in recent times. They said journalists cannot be made victims of factionalism or administrative decisions of any organisation.

The organisation has strongly demanded the authorities concerned immediately reinstate the sacked journalists to their respective posts, maintain continuity of service, and ensure all due benefits and lawful labour rights. At the same time, it sought intervention of the relevant government authorities in this regard.

In the press release, DUJ also said it will make no compromise regarding protection of journalists' job security, dignity and labour rights. It also warned that if any journalist is sacked anew in the future, they will build protest and resistance with all their might together with the journalist community.