The Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ), Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ), Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), Economic Reporters Forum (ERF), and Dhaka Sub Editors Council (DSEC) have strongly protested the Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh's (Noab) decision to keep newspapers closed for just three days on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday, the journalist leaders pointed out that government officials and employees are getting a longer holiday this year, with a five-day break coinciding with Independence Day, Shab-e-Qadr, and weekly holidays, stretching across the end of March and the start of April.

However, according to Noab's announcement, newspapers will be closed on March 30, 31, and April 1. If Eid-ul-Fitr is observed on April 1, depending on the sighting of the moon, the closure will extend to April 2.The journalist leaders demanded that Noab reconsider its decision and extend the Eid holiday.

They also expressed frustration that Noab has not yet addressed their concerns.

They labelled the Noab's three-day holiday decision for media workers, without considering their needs, as "cruel".

The journalist leaders also said as the nation fights against discrimination, Noab's decision reflects a new form of inequality.

BFUJ acting President Obaidur Rahman Shahin and Secretary General Quader Gani Chowdhury; DUJ President Md Shahidul Islam and General Secretary Khurshid Alam; DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Ahsan Sohel; ERF President Doulot Akter Mala and General Secretary Abul Kashem, and DSEC President Muktadir Anik and General Secretary Jawahar Iqbal Khan condemned the decision.