Mob violence has become a pillar of strength for those in power: Iftekharuzzaman

Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), said that a kind of 'mob rule' has developed within the state structure, where those in power see the power behind mob violence as a main pillar of their authority.

He made the remarks at a protest meeting jointly organized by the Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh and the Editors' Council to protest the attacks, vandalism, looting and arson at the offices of Prothom Alo and Daily Star and the harassment of New Age Editor Nurul Kabir.

Iftekharuzzaman said that while it is the responsibility of all citizens to build resistance against the current situation, the main responsibility lies with the government. They must be held accountable for what the government is doing to ensure the safety of the people.

Political party leaders, professional organizations, business organizations, journalist organizations, and civil society representatives participated in the protest meeting in solidarity.

The speakers said that the attack on the offices of the country's two leading newspapers is not just an attack on the media; it is a direct attack on democracy, freedom of expression, education, and culture. They called for a united resistance to protect the independent media, calling the government's inaction worrisome.

After the meeting, the participants held a human chain outside the hotel. At the time, they said that unity among journalists, writers, intellectuals, and professionals to protect press freedom and democracy is the need of the hour.