By Md. Kamal Uddin

Amid prolonged unrest, divisions, and controversies over control within Chattogram’s media community, the city witnessed a rare moment of unity as more than 700 professional journalists gathered at a prayer and iftar event that turned into a historic reunion for the region’s press fraternity.

Many participants believe the event was not merely a religious or social gathering, but a powerful message reflecting the collective strength of journalists and their determination to restore professional dignity and unity.

The doa and iftar program was held on Saturday (March 14, 2026) at the International Convention Centre (ICC), one of the city’s largest convention venues. The event was jointly organized by the Chattogram Union of Journalists (CUJ) and the recently elected executive committee of the Chattogram Press Club. Journalists from print, television, online, and multimedia platforms—both senior and young professionals—attended in large numbers, turning the venue into an extraordinary assembly of the city’s media community.

The event took place against the backdrop of tensions that emerged after political changes on August 5 last year, which triggered disputes over the control of the Chattogram Press Club. The issue created prolonged instability within the city’s journalism community and led to a deep division among media professionals. As a result, many journalists remained effectively disconnected from the activities of the press club.

In this context, the iftar gathering organized by CUJ and the elected press club committee was widely viewed as an important initiative to bring journalists back to a common platform. According to organizers, the event symbolized the unity and solidarity of professional journalists.

Rumors and misinformation circulated from the beginning regarding possible attempts to disrupt the program. Allegations surfaced that a group associated with the press club takeover attempted to create confusion on social media and even threatened to obstruct the event.

In response, the authorities took strict precautionary measures to avoid any untoward incident. Under the overall supervision of Chattogram Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hasib Aziz, extensive security arrangements were made in and around the venue. A large number of police personnel were deployed and intelligence agencies were kept on alert.

According to intelligence sources, a group claiming to represent students approached the venue in several vehicles around 3:00 pm. However, due to strict security measures and the firm stance of the administration, they could not proceed further. As a result, the program was completed peacefully without any confrontation.

The event was attended by Abu Sufian, Member of Parliament for Chattogram-9 (Kotwali-Bakalia) and a former student leader, as the chief guest. He was welcomed by Riaz Haidar Chowdhury, President of the Chattogram Union of Journalists.

Special guests included editors of four prominent Chattogram-based newspapers:

• MA Malek, Editor of Daily Azadi

• Dr. M. Ramiz Uddin Chowdhury, Editor of Daily Purbokone

• Enayet Ullah Hiru, Editor of Nayabangla

• Syed Omar Faruk, Editor of Chattogram Manch

Also present were leaders of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) including Vice-President Shahidul Alam, Joint Secretary Mohsin Kazi, and Executive Member Azhar Mahmud.

Political figures from different parties also attended the event. Among them were former Chattogram Metropolitan BNP General Secretary Ekramul Karim, Abul Hashem Bakkar, former Public Prosecutor Advocate Kafil Uddin Chowdhury, Swapan Majumdar of Nagorik Oikya, and Hasan Maruf Rumi of Ganosamhati Andolon.

In his speech, chief guest MP Abu Sufian said the crisis within the journalists’ community could be resolved through dialogue.

“Journalists have always played a vital role in safeguarding democracy and public interest. We hope the existing problems will be resolved soon,” he said.

Special guest MA Malek, editor of Daily Azadi, noted that Ramadan teaches restraint and compassion, values that should guide relationships within the journalism community.

Meanwhile, Dr. M. Ramiz Uddin Chowdhury, editor of Daily Purbokone, described the gathering as a reflection of brotherhood among journalists, expressing hope that such unity would strengthen Chattogram’s media landscape.

Presiding over the program, Salahuddin Mohammad Reza, President of the Chattogram Press Club, emphasized that media institutions should never be subject to forceful control.

“Differences of opinion may exist, but they should never lead to division,” he said.

In his welcome address, Riaz Haidar Chowdhury, President of the Chattogram Union of Journalists, thanked the editors, journalists, organizational leaders, and guests for their participation.

“Today’s presence proves that professional journalists still stand together. This unity is the path toward the liberation of our media,” he said.

For many journalists, the gathering became an emotional reunion after nearly one and a half years of ongoing tensions that limited opportunities for colleagues to meet face-to-face. Many were seen embracing old coworkers, exchanging updates, and reminiscing about past experiences.

After the iftar, lively discussions continued over tea as journalists reconnected with colleagues.

During the program, participants observed a one-minute silence in memory of late journalists Saber Ahmed Azgari, Nizam Uddin Ahmed, and Ayub Ali, along with other departed members of the journalism community. Special prayers were offered for the well-being of the country, the nation, and the media community.

With enthusiastic participation from journalists, careful planning by the organizers, and strong security support from the Chattogram Metropolitan Police under Commissioner Hasib Aziz, the event concluded peacefully and successfully.

Many observers believe the iftar gathering was more than just a social event; it represented a powerful symbol of unity within Chattogram’s journalism community and could play an important role in resolving the ongoing crisis within the media sector in the future.