DRU condemns attack on Mancha 71 discussion meeting

Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) strongly condemned and protested the attack by outsiders on Mancha 71's roundtable discussion meeting at the organisation's  auditorium.

At least 15 people from Mancha 71, including freedom fighter Abdul Latif Siddiqui, Dhaka University Law Deperatment Professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman Karzon, and former secretary Abu Alam Shahid Khan, who had come to participate in the roundtable discussion at the Shafiqul Kabir auditorium of the DRU, were attacked.

They were detained for a long time and later handed over to the police by a group of youths who introduced themselves as 'July fighters'. The roundtable discussion meeting titled 'Our Great Liberation War and the Constitution of Bangladesh' was organized by Manch 71.

DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel said in a statement, "DRU is an open platform. Everyone has freedom of expression here. Threats or obstruction from any party are not acceptable here."

They said that the attackers, who identified themselves as 'July fighters', had already threatened to halt the discussion meeting through social media. When the matter was reported to Shahbagh Police Station, the police had been on duty at the DRU premises since morning. But suddenly some outsiders entered and tried to create chaos.

In the statement, DRU leaders said, "The situation was brought under control with the immediate intervention of our members. Later, the police came and safely evacuated the attacked guests."

The DRU executive committee said that since its establishment, everyone has the right to express their opinions on this platform, regardless of party or opinion. Freedom of expression was maintained in this unity even during mass movements in the past.

Calling on law enforcement agencies to take appropriate action, DRU leaders said, "We will not tolerate any kind of terrorist activity. DRU will take legal action if necessary to prevent a recurrence of such incidents."