Black masks worn to protest journalist Samsuzzaman being picked up

Leaders and activists of left leaning organisations wore black masks to protest the picking up of Prothom Alo staff correspondent Samsuzzaman late night by persons claiming to be Criminal Investigation Department (CID men).

They registered the protest in front of the Raju Sculpture of Dhaka University demanding the release of the journalist on Wednesday afternoon. Later leaders and activists of students' organisations brought out a procession on campus.

Leaders and activists of left leaning eight students' alliance Ganatantrik Chhatra Jote (Democratic Students Alliance) and Ganosamhati Andolon's student wing Chhatra Federation joined the protest. A number of like-minded people also participated in the protest.

A ‘picture card’ was prepared to post on Facebook, attaching the comment of day labourer Zakir Hossain on Sunday. But the card incorporated the photograph of a child mistakenly. Later, Prothom Alo authorities withdrew the card as soon as they noticed the inconsistency.

Besides, the report was uploaded online again after necessary correction. In the report, it was clearly said that the comment was taken from Zakir Hossain, not from the child. Prothom Alo’s staff correspondent in Savar, Samsuzzaman, carried out the report. Several persons identifying themselves as members of CID picked him up at 4:30am on Wednesday.

In protest against the incident, leaders and activists of left leaning organisations and like-mined people gathered at the foot of Raju sculpture at 4:45pm on Wednesday protesting against the incident, wearing black masks. They stayed there in silence for 15 minutes. They were holding placards inscribed with 'Free Shams', 'Publishing news is not a Crime', and 'Release Samsuzzaman immediately'.

Chhatra Union leader Meghmallar Basu said, "Time of our protest has almost ended. Prothom Alo staff correspondent has been picked up for publishing an investigation report on the occasaion of Independence Day. The current government has declared an unannounced war against the people. People are being sent to jail for journalism."

They brought out a demonstration procession from TSC to Shahbagh. The process ends reaching TSC again.