On Sunday, 26 October 2025, at 11:00 a.m., a human chain was organized in front of the National Press Club by the Social Action Committee demanding justice for journalist Altaf Shahnewaz, who has been accused of provoking the suicide of a female journalist and multiple incidents of sexual harassment.
Representatives from various member organizations of the Social Action Committee expressed solidarity and spoke at the event, including Marfia Nurshifa from WECAN Alliance; Shahnaz Sumi, Director of Bangladesh Nari Pragati Sangha; Jaya Sarker from Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE); Dr. Makhduma Nargis Ratna, Vice President of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad(BMP); Sebika Debnath, Senior Reporter of The Daily Bhorer Kagoj and member of the Mass Media Sub-Committee of BMP; Maleka Banu, General Secretary; Shima Moslem, Joint General Secretary; and Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President of BMP.
WECAN Alliance representative Marfia Nurshifa said that journalist Altaf Shahnewaz has been accused in previous incidents of sexual harassment, which came to light following the tragic suicide of journalist Swarnamoyee. She stated that if proper justice had been served in earlier cases, Swarnamoyee’s death could have been prevented.
Dr. Makhduma Nargis Ratna, Vice President of BMP, remarked that in a civilized society, it is deeply shameful that despite repeated complaints by a female journalist to her office authorities, no proper action was taken—pushing her instead towards suicide. Although the High Court has directed the formation of sexual harassment prevention committees, these directives are not being implemented in practice.
Sebika Debnath, Senior Reporter of The Daily Bhorer Kagoj and member of the Parishad’s Mass Media Sub-Committee, stated that incidents of sexual harassment at workplaces are still often normalized. This attitude must change. She further noted with concern that no committee has yet been formed by journalist associations to investigate the death of the female journalist.
Jaya Sarker from CAMPE emphasized the need to take concrete actions to ensure justice for the accused in connection with the journalist Swarnamoyee’s suicide.
Shahnaz Sumi from Bangladesh Nari Pragati Sangha asserted that those who protect perpetrators of sexual harassment are equally guilty as the offenders themselves. She urged that instead of defending such harassers, society must identify them as criminals and ensure they face legal action.
Shima Moslem, Joint General Secretary of BMP, stated that women continue to face violence in workplaces, families, and public spaces. She added that although women journalists experience harassment in the media, the role of journalist organizations in addressing these cases remains questionable. To ensure women’s advancement in journalism, it is essential to guarantee workplace safety and fair justice in cases of violence
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General Secretary Maleka Banu stated that despite multiple allegations of sexual harassment against journalist Altaf Shahnewaz, justice has not been served. She emphasized that if previous incidents had been properly addressed, Swarnamoyee’s untimely death might have been prevented. She demanded that media houses refrain from sheltering perpetrators of sexual harassment and instead take strict action against both the accused and those who protect them.
Dr. Fauzia Moslem, President of BMP, said that time and again, we are forced to gather and demand justice for violence against women and girls. While a few cases have seen justice, most perpetrators remain unpunished. She stressed that the judicial system must be impartial and that laws must be implemented with gender sensitivity. She added that although media outlets report on violence against women, they often fail to ensure justice when such incidents occur within their own institutions—“We cannot enlighten society while keeping our own house in darkness,” she said.
The event was attended by representatives from various member organizations of the Social Action Committee, central and Dhaka City Committee leaders of Bangladesh Mahila Parishad, secretaries, Para Committee members, office stuffs, and journalists from print and electronic media.
The program was conducted by Jana Goswami, Director of Advocacy and Lobby, BMP.
