Jhalokathi, Nov 07 (V7N) – A human chain was held in Jhalokathi on Friday demanding exemplary punishment for Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, former information adviser to the Sheikh Hasina government and editor of The Daily Observer.
The demonstrators also called for the suspension of government advertisements in media outlets allegedly under his control and demanded an end to what they described as Awami League propaganda and conspiratorial activities.
The programme was organised by the “Conscious Citizens of Jhalokathi ” in front of Jhalokathi Press Club at around 11am on November 6.
Speakers included student leader Asif Al Imran; July uprising organisers Abir Laskar and Imratul Khan Imran; and student leaders Md Mahfuzar Rahman, Shanto Ahmed Rizu and Shawon Sharif.
The speakers alleged that Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury enjoyed various state privileges during the Sheikh Hasina administration. They claimed that he was appointed information adviser with the status of a state minister after maintaining a position that pleased the then prime minister, while the investigation and trial over the murders of journalist couple Sagar and Runi remained prolonged.
They also questioned his role during the July uprising.
The speakers further alleged that Chowdhury benefited from media control under the Awami League government. They called for his interrogation on remand, claiming it could reveal important information.
They also demanded that government advertisements be withheld from The Daily Observer and all other media outlets they alleged were under his control.
Local student leaders and representatives of the conscious citizens' group took part in the human chain.
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