Khulna marked the second stop in a month-long divisional tour following Chattogram, with the anniversary celebrations set to continue in Barishal, Rajshahi, Sylhet, Rangpur, and Mymensingh.

The programme marking the 35th founding anniversary of The Daily Star began at 4:30pm at the Liaquat Ali Auditorium of the Khulna Press Club.

The event began with the national anthem, followed by a one-minute silence in remembrance of all martyrs.

Khulna correspondent Dipankar Roy delivered the welcome speech. Khulna-4 lawmaker Azizul Bari Helal and Khulna-2 lawmaker Jahangir Hussain Helal also addressed the programme.

Azizul Bari Helal, spoke on the occasion, urging people to uphold the independence of the press. He specifically said individuals should not be targeted for drawing cartoons.

Stressing the need for factual reporting, Jahangir Hussain Helal, said the public always looks for objective news.

The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam was present at the event.

The event featured a documentary screening and an exhibition depicting the attack on The Daily Star office.

The celebration followed a central event held at the newspaper’s Dhaka office on April 24 and 25.

Politicians, business leaders, civil society members, students, and others attended the event.

Earlier, the first programme of the divisional anniversary tour was held in Chattogram on May 2.