The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) have strongly condemned the dismissal of journalists, officers, and employees from the daily Janakantha without paying their salaries, allowances, or Eid bonuses ahead of Eid-ul-Azha. In a joint statement issued on Monday, leaders of both unions described the move as illegal and inhumane, asserting that at least fifty staff members were terminated without prior notice, some after decades of service.

The unions said the decision violated labor laws and wage board regulations, calling it an attack on the dignity of media workers. They demanded immediate payment of all dues, cancellation of termination notices, and reinstatement of the affected employees. The statement also noted that during a peaceful protest by dismissed workers outside the Janakantha building, security personnel obstructed them, leaving several injured and hospitalized.

BFUJ and DUJ warned that if the management fails to act responsibly and resolve the issue through dialogue, they will announce broader protest programs to secure journalists’ rights.