Agartala, Dec 22 – Journalists in Tripura staged a silent protest on Monday at the Agartala Press Club, drawing attention to growing threats faced by media professionals in neighbouring Bangladesh. Organised under the banner of the Tripura Journalists’ Union, the protesters wore black tape over their mouths to symbolise the muzzling of free speech and the rising attacks on journalists and media houses across the border.
The demonstration was held to condemn incidents of assault, harassment, custodial repression, and killings targeting journalists in Bangladesh. Participants held banners expressing solidarity with their counterparts and called for urgent measures to ensure the safety, dignity, and freedom of media personnel, enabling them to report without fear.
Speakers at the protest highlighted the significance of the issue for Tripura, given its 856-km-long shared border with Bangladesh and close socio-political ties to the neighbouring country. They stressed that developments across the border directly affect the region, particularly concerning democratic values, freedom of expression, and societal transparency.
The journalists warned that the shrinking democratic space and mounting pressure on the media in Bangladesh pose a broader threat to society. They emphasised that an independent and fearless press is crucial to uphold truth, ensure accountability, and safeguard citizens’ right to information.
The silent protest concluded with calls for international attention and intervention to protect journalists in Bangladesh. Media professionals in Tripura reaffirmed their commitment to defending press freedom and democratic principles, urging authorities and civil society to act decisively against any attempts to curb free speech.
Through this demonstration, the Tripura Journalists’ Union aimed to raise awareness about cross-border challenges to media freedom while underscoring the need for solidarity among journalists in the region to protect democratic values and maintain a fearless, independent press.
