Bashundhara Group announces Tk 1cr aid for slain journalists’ families

Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan has announced financial assistance of Tk 1 crore to the families of five journalists who lost their lives during the anti-discrimination uprising in July-August last year while performing their professional duties. 

He made the announcement on Thursday (January 9) during the celebration of Kaler Kantho's 15th anniversary at the East West Media Complex in the capital’s Bashundhara Residential Area.

At the event, the families of the deceased journalists were each provided with Tk 2 lakh as immediate support. 

Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, at this time expressed his gratitude to journalists for their relentless efforts and sacrifices, saying, “The profit from this fund will help sustain the families and educate their children. I stand by the journalists, and their welfare is a priority for me.”

The event was attended by veteran journalist Shafik Rehman, novelist and Bashundhara Group adviser Imdadul Haq Milan, Kaler Kantho editor Hasan Hafiz, Bangladesh Pratidin acting Editor Abu Taher, and Banglanews24.com editor Lutfor Rahman Himel, among others.

Addressing the gathering, Ahmed Akbar Sobhan highlighted the sacrifices made by journalists in the fight for democracy and freedom of expression. He urged media professionals to continue reporting the truth, no matter how uncomfortable it may be, as it contributes to national progress.

Family members of the deceased journalists shared their grief and struggles. 

Poppy, the wife of slain journalist Hasan Mehedi, emotionally recounted how her children missed their father and questioned his absence daily. Shakil Hossain’s father, Belayet Hossain, appealed for truthful reporting to honour the legacy of his son, who lost his life while upholding journalistic values.

The anniversary event, themed "Partial Truth Is Not the Truth," marks 15 years of Kaler Kantho's journey since its inception on January 10, 2010. Celebrations will continue throughout Friday at the newspaper’s headquarters and across the country. Readers, well-wishers, and stakeholders are invited to attend the daylong event.

SOURCE : Banglanews24