The Dhaka Union of Journalists has expressed concern over attack on elderly journalist Abu Saleh, a special correspondent of the state-owned news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha.

The executive committee of journalists’ union in a meeting on Sunday said a number of people of different political identity had attacked Saleh in his office and hurled abusive words on June 16, the black day for newspapers.

Condemning the attack, the union leaders said the attack reminded June 16 of 1975 — the day when all newspapers but four were closed down to gag the press.

The attackers had been ragging Saleh, also a popular rhymester, for some days before they had attacked him and he had informed the authorities concerned of the matter.

The attackers, whoever they are, cannot claim them as journalists, the union leaders said.

They demanded that the government and the BSS should launch a probe into the incident and punish the attackers.

It urged all concerned to protect the unity and dignity of the journalist community and be respectful to difference of opinion.

The union also demanded a stop to harassment of journalists with different opinions at the state-owned agency by terminating or attacking them.

The meeting asked all to make July 11 — demand day — a successful one.