Journalists at Barishal University (BU) have staged a human chain and protest rally demanding justice for the brutal killing of journalist Md Asaduzzaman Tuhin in Gazipur, as well as ensuring safety and protection for journalists across the country.

The programme was held yesterday (9 August) at around 5:30pm in front of the university’s main gate, beside the Barishal–Kuakata highway. Members of the BU Press Club, along with journalists from various print and online media outlets, took part in the demonstration.

Protesters carried placards reading “Justice for Journalist Tuhin”, “We Demand Freedom of the Press”, “We Demand Justice, We Demand Safety”, and “Justice for Tuhin”.

Arif Hossain, BU correspondent for The Daily Campus and Manabzamin said, “Today, we stand here in deep grief and outrage. On 7 August, in Gazipur, Md Asaduzzaman Tuhin, a courageous reporter for the daily Protidiner Kagoj, who had stood against corruption and injustice, was brutally hacked and slaughtered. This is not just a personal attack, but a grim warning to the entire journalist community.”

He further said, “Although freedom of the press is often spoken of in Bangladesh, the reality tells a different story. It has been 12 years since the murder of Sagar and Runi, yet justice has not been served. Many journalists have since been killed or assaulted, but no verdict has been delivered. If this continues, journalists will be discouraged from exposing the truth.”

Abu Ubaida, BU correspondent for the Daily Sangram, said, “After 5 August, we had hoped that in the new Bangladesh, the media would enjoy freedom and we could carry out our duties without interference. But the opposite has happened. The killing of our colleague Tuhin has put pressure on all journalists in the country. If the highest form of justice is not served swiftly, journalists across Bangladesh will be compelled to unite and announce tougher programmes.”

Speakers at the rally demanded an immediate trial and exemplary punishment for those involved in the killing.

Tuhin was murdered by a group of miscreants with sharp weapons in front of a crowded market in the Chandana Chowrasta area of Gazipur city on Thursday night.