Journalist Council' yesterday held a rally and brought out a procession in the city protesting murder and harassment of journalists in the country.

The processionists paraded the city streets carrying banners and chanting slogans demanding trial of the killers and security of journalists.

The rally held at Shaheb Bazer zero point was also attended by human rights activists, members of the civil society and representatives of professional groups. It was presided over by Jahangir Alam Akas, Rajshahi Bureau Chief of Daily Sangbad.

Speakers at the meeting said there has been no respite in attacks on journalists in different areas of the country despite protests and government assurances of trial of culprits.

Journalists do not belong to any political party or group. They serve the nation and the people but are attacked when any report goes against the interest of any vested group, he said.

Murders of veteran journalists Shamsur Rahman, Manik Shah and Humayun Kabir Balu, have not been tried despite assurances by the government on several occasions, they said.

There has been no let in in the attacks. The Metropolitan Press Club (MPC) in the city was attacked during Pahela Baishakh celebrations in which senior staff reporter of local Bangla daily Natun Probhat Ziaul Haque Zia was injured.

The Ittafak's correspondent Prof Mojammal Haque was also assaulted by BDR personnel, they said.

The speakers demanded withdraw a cases filed by Rajshahi police against daily Janakhantho photojournalist Salim Jahangir.

Rajshahi Union of Journalist (RUJ) General Secretary and daily Sangram Rajshahi Correspondent Sarder Abdur Rahman criticised the police administration, alleging that the attackers on the press club are not nabbed though they are often seen roaming around Boalia police station.

Rajshahi Press Club Vice-President Anwarul Alam Fatik said the attacks are a threat to the entire journalist community and demanded punishment of the culprits and government steps to check recurrence of such incidents.

Jahangir Alam Akas said attack on journalists increased in recent days, which has also tarnished the country's image abroad.

The rally was addressed by among others, Metropolitan Press Club Vice-president Kazi Gaias and Nurul Haque, Managing Editor of local daily Sunshine, Rajshahi Photojournalist

Association Acting General Secretary Asadul Islam, Bangladesh Sangbadik Sangstha member Paritosh Chowdhury Aditho and Newspaper Employees Association General Secretary Abul Basher.