DRU Condemns Unpleasant Incident During Roundtable Event, Demands Legal Action .The Executive Committee of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has condemned an unpleasant incident involving outsiders attacking during a roundtable meeting. Several DRU leaders, including General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, former Organizational Secretary Mannan Maruf, members Asif Shawkat Kollol and Syed Mahbub Morshed, were harassed while trying to restrain the attackers. The DRU has demanded that legal action be taken against those involved.
The statement was issued on Thursday, 28 August, on behalf of the DRU Executive Committee. According to the statement, a group of individuals identifying themselves as “July Warriors” obstructed former Member of Parliament Abdul Latif Siddiqui, Dhaka University Professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman (Karzon), former Secretary Abu Alam Shahid Khan, and several others during the roundtable event.
Speaking on behalf of the DRU Executive Committee, President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel said that the Dhaka Reporters Unity is open to everyone, and all have the freedom to express their opinions. There are no restrictions on holding events at DRU.
However, ahead of the event, a few individuals launched a campaign on Facebook threatening the program. In response, Shahbagh Police Station was informed, and police were stationed at the DRU premises from Thursday morning. Despite this, a group of people entered the venue and attempted to create a mob-like situation. The intervention of DRU leaders and members helped control the situation. Subsequently, the police took Abdul Latif Siddiqui and several others into their custody to prevent further unpleasant incidents.
The DRU leaders described such incidents during events as extremely deplorable and condemnable. They urged law enforcement agencies to take appropriate action against lawlessness.
The statement also noted that during the July Revolution, the DRU provided a platform for everyone to speak. Leaders like Nahid, Sarjis, and Hasnat addressed gatherings at DRU despite the restrictions imposed by the then government during the mass uprising. Since its establishment, DRU has allowed individuals of all political affiliations to voice their opinions at its events, without interference. The leaders affirmed that DRU will prevent any such disruption in the future and will take legal measures against violators.