A group of journalists in Chattogram have staged a protest against actress Pori Moni, throwing shoes at her photograph and calling for a boycott over her alleged misconduct towards journalist Raju. The demonstration was organised in response to an incident in which the actress allegedly behaved disrespectfully towards the media professional.
The protest took place in front of Chattogram Press Club on Saturday, 7 November. Journalists and people from various professions joined the programme, expressing their anger over the reported incident and calling for respect for media professionals.
Addressing the gathering, speakers said the primary responsibility of journalists was to provide the public with accurate, impartial and factual information. They stressed that journalists must be able to collect information and publish news independently, without intimidation or interference.
They argued that mistreating a journalist was not simply a personal insult to an individual but could also undermine press freedom and the public’s right to know. Journalists play an essential role in keeping people informed, holding individuals and institutions accountable, and bringing important issues to public attention. Any conduct that obstructs their professional responsibilities, they said, should be treated seriously.
The speakers also maintained that celebrity status did not place anyone above the law or exempt them from the responsibility to treat others with respect. According to them, public recognition and professional success should never be regarded as justification for disrespectful behaviour towards journalists.
They called on members of the country’s journalistic community to remain united in defending the dignity, professional rights and independence of media workers. They also urged collective protests against incidents involving harassment or humiliation of journalists while carrying out their duties.
The Journalists’ Development Council also condemned Pori Moni’s alleged behaviour during the programme. As part of their demonstration, participants threw shoes at a photograph of the actress, reiterating their call for a boycott.
The protest followed an incident on 5 November, when Pori Moni allegedly confronted Daily Samakal multimedia journalist Robiul Hossain Raju on the premises of a Dhaka court after being granted bail. The reported confrontation sparked criticism among journalists and prompted demands for a response to the actress’s conduct.
The incident has brought renewed attention to the relationship between public figures and media professionals in Bangladesh. Journalists frequently approach celebrities and other prominent personalities to gather information, seek comments and report on matters of public interest. Maintaining mutual respect during such interactions is essential to ensuring that media workers can perform their duties without fear of intimidation.
The Chattogram demonstration reflects the anger expressed by a section of the journalistic community over the reported treatment of Raju. Participants used the programme to highlight the importance of professional dignity, press freedom and the right of journalists to carry out their responsibilities independently.
