Leaders of different federations and unions of newspapers and news agencies, in a Joint statement In Dhaka Tuesday said, the conspiracy of the owners to deprive the workers from their legitimate dues would be unitedly resisted at all cost by the journalists. press workers a.id the general employees, reports ICS.

The Joint statement was issued in the light of the state ment of the Bangladesh Sangbadpatra Parishad (BSP) published on June 2 in various dallies.

Expressing their deep concern over the intransigent attl tude of the owners towards the legitimate rights of the work Ing people of the newspaper industry, the leaders said, an

explosive situation was prevailing In the Industry as the smouldering discontentments of the workers rose to Its peak following long deprivation.

They said, the owners would alone be held responsible for any unwanted situation in the industry for their (owners) obstinate attitude ig noring the total situation.

The leaders said. "We feel no necessity to further unveil the identity of the owners-edi-tors ’as the nation is quite aware of their self-centered role during the Ershad's regime. Under the changed situation they have come with tall talks of freedom of the press, the leaders reminded.

The shedding of crocodile tears by the owners for press freedom was nothing but mere tricks to deprive the workers from their legitimate demands.

The signatories to the statement Included Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists President Reazuddin Ahmed. General Secretary Amanullah Kabir. Dhaka Union of Journalists President Zahirul Haq and General Secretary Ruhul Amin Gazi. Bangladesh Sangbadpatra Press Sramik Federation Acting President Fazle Imam. General Secretary Bazlur Rahman Milan and Bangladesh Sangbadpatra Karmacharl Federation President Jahangir Kabir and General Secretary Mir Mozammei Hossain.