Staff Correspondent: – A wave of condemnation has swept across the country following the brutal hacking to death of courageous journalist S. M. Hayat Uddin of the daily Vorer Chetana in Bagerhat.

In continuation of that, on Monday (October 6, 2025), a protest and human chain program was organized at Mirpur-10 intersection in the capital by the Central Committee of the Bangladesh Central Press Club and jointly organized by Asaduzzaman Asad, Joint General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Bangladesh Central Press Club.

Present at the human chain were Khan Selim Rahman, Founder President of the Bangladesh Central Press Club and Editor of the national daily Matrigagat newspaper.
Also present was Ahmed Abu Zafar, Chairman of the Trustee Board of the Bangladesh Mofossol Journalists Forum (BMSF).

Others in attendance included Md. Shihab Uddin, Senior Vice President of the Bangladesh Central Press Club and Editor of Dainik Jonjagoron; Abdul Al Mamun, President of Mirpur Reporters Club; S. M. Zohirul Islam, General Secretary of Mirpur Combined Journalists Alliance; Md. Sohel Rana, Vice President of the Bangladesh Central Press Club; Ibrahim Khalil, Vice President; Warez Ahmed Bhuiyan Taposh, Education Secretary; Md. Shafiqul Rahman, Religious Affairs Secretary; Md. Nizam Uddin, Assistant Religious Affairs Secretary; Md. Russel Mahmud, Assistant Organizational Secretary; S. M. Rafik, Publicity Secretary; Syed Usama Bin Shihab, Assistant Information and Research Secretary; Tanmoy Chowdhury, and Sharmin Akter.

Leaders of the Bangladesh Central Press Club and journalists from both print and electronic media from Greater Mirpur region were also present.

At that time, Khan Selim Rahman, Founder President of the Bangladesh Central Press Club (B.C.P.C), said,
“Those who hold the pen today are being targeted by the forces of darkness. But we are not afraid. The pen of journalists never stops. We demand that all the killers involved in the murder of Hayat Uddin be brought to justice swiftly and given the highest punishment. In addition, his family must be provided security and financial assistance.”

Addressing the state and administration, he added,
“Every journalist in the country must be able to work safely. The law against journalist persecution must be enforced effectively. The administration must take a firm stand to stop attacks on journalists. The life of a journalist is not just his family’s—it is the conscience of the nation.”

Speakers at the human chain said,
“We demand justice for the murder of Hayat Uddin. This is not the first time—many journalists have been killed or disappeared before, but justice has rarely been served. This culture must end; otherwise, journalists will unite and take to the streets in protest.”

They further stated,
“The protest of the Bangladesh Central Press Club is not just the stance of one organization; it is the voice of the entire journalist community. We speak not for political gain, but for truth and justice. Those who obstruct the truth are enemies of democracy.”

Journalists chanted slogans such as “Justice for the murder of journalist Hayat Uddin,” “Hayat Uddin’s blood shall not be in vain,” and “Stop persecution of journalists.” The entire Mirpur area echoed with protests and demands for justice.

During the human chain, one minute of silence was observed in memory of the slain journalist Hayat Uddin. All participants prayed for the forgiveness of his soul and expressed condolences to his family.

Speakers said,
“The conscience of the nation speaks through a journalist’s pen. Therefore, the blood-stained path of journalists must be cleansed by ensuring justice for wrongdoing.”

Hayat Uddin was a brave and fearless journalist from Bagerhat, who worked tirelessly against social injustice, corruption, drug abuse, and violence against women. His death is an irreparable loss not only for the journalist community but for the entire nation.

Leaders of the Bangladesh Central Press Club announced that they would continue their protests until justice for the murder is served. They said,
“We do not want any more families to lose their beloved journalist sons, fathers, brothers, or sisters. The killing of journalists is the killing of democracy and an attack on freedom of expression. We will fight against this injustice to the very end.”

At the conclusion of the event, Khan Selim Rahman addressed the journalists, saying,
“Work without fear. Stand for the truth. We are with every journalist. Journalism is not just a profession—it is a noble duty, a pledge to enlighten society. The blood of Hayat Uddin will remain the symbol of our struggle.”

Finally, everyone together declared—
“The sacrifice of journalist Hayat Uddin will not go in vain; the light of his pen will continue to guide our path.”