Journalists, employees stage protests over Bhorer Kagoj Closure

Journalists, officials and employees of Bangla newspaper 'Bhorer Kagoj' staged protests in front of its office at Malibagh in the capital on Saturday (25 January), demanding an explanation from its management for its sudden closure and the settlement of their dues. 

Carrying handwritten placards and raising slogans, the protesters expressed their frustration over the decision to shut down the newspaper.

During the demonstration, the journalists spoke out against the management's action and alleged financial irregularities. 

Chief Reporter of the daily Khandaker Kawsar Hossain said, "After the editor was arrested, Arun Kumar Sarkar, resident director of [former minister] Saber Hossain Chowdhury's business establishment, assumed the role of executive editor. He and the owners assured us that we would receive everything we are entitled to, but now they have stopped communicating with us." 

Stating that the closure was unacceptable, he added, "The organisation has been shut down due to the corruption of the head of the financial department and administration." 

The protesters called for the immediate reopening of the newspaper or clearing their dues as per the Eighth Wage Board.

A notice regarding the closure of the daily, launched on 15 February 1992, was hung on its Malibagh office main gate on 20 January.