[🇧🇩] Press Freedom in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Assaults on media houses deeply alarming

Authorities must act decisively to protect press freedom

www.thedailystar.net

Assaults on media houses deeply alarming
Authorities must act decisively to protect press freedom

VISUAL: STAR

We're deeply concerned about the ongoing threats to press freedom as epitomised by the spate of attacks, vandalism, hostile mobilisations, and inflammatory rhetoric targeting Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. This is a rude awakening for those who expected the culture of intimidation and repression against journalists to recede with the ouster of an autocratic regime—which, over 14 years, saw Bangladesh's position plummet 42 notches on the World Press Freedom Index. Instead, threats to the media appear to be intensifying in the current political climate, with coordinated campaigns aiming to stoke hostility against media houses that have long stood as pillars of independent journalism. This raises troubling questions about the future of the press in Bangladesh.

The campaign against Prothom Alo has been particularly vociferous since October 25, when a group announced plans to lay siege to its head office in Karwan Bazar but failed to mobilise. Later, starting last Thursday, protesters held sit-ins and caused disorder outside the office for several days, prompting law enforcement to intervene. On Monday, two of the paper's regional offices came under attack: masked individuals vandalised its signboard and windows in Bogura, while in Rajshahi, a group attempted to break into its office, destroyed its signboard, and burned copies of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. Hostile gatherings against both papers were also reported in Chattogram, Sylhet, Barishal, Chandpur, Munshiganj, and at Savar's Jahangirnagar University. On Friday, a group also demonstrated in front of The Daily Star's head office.

While we welcome and indeed look forward to any constructive criticism of the media—which can be a learning experience for journalists—the current campaign, rooted in neither truth nor reason, offers no such opportunity. No credible grievances or evidence have been presented to justify these attacks and disruptions. Instead, they appear driven by an agenda to discredit independent media and deter it from fulfilling its watchdog role, exploiting the fluid security situation. As the Editors' Council and the Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (Noab) have rightly pointed out, any objections to the news or editorial policy of a newspaper can be expressed constructively, through writing. There are also legal means available to anyone feeling aggrieved. Even peaceful protests are permissible. But intimidation or violence targeting newspapers—and by extension their staff—are not only unacceptable but also a disservice to the democratic aspirations of the July uprising.

We are, however, encouraged by the solidarity shown by various platforms amid ongoing assaults. Government officials, including the information adviser, have also condemned this wave of aggression, vowing to prevent any unlawful activities to silence the media. We hope these assurances will be matched by swift action to create a secure environment for journalists, and that those behind ongoing assaults will be held accountable. The anti-media campaign coincides with the ongoing trend of disruptive activities by various errant groups, highlighting the complex challenges facing the pro-uprising forces. It is, therefore, imperative that civil society, political leaders, and the public stand united in protecting our hard-earned freedoms.​

 

[Saif]

Political parties strongly endorse press freedom

Political parties yesterday expressed their unwavering support for press freedom, highlighting its vital role in strengthening democracy and securing the nation’s future.

www.thedailystar.net

Political parties strongly endorse press freedom
Call for an end to intimidation of the media during talks with Noab

Participants at a views exchange meeting with political leaders on recent attacks on independent journalism and media outlets. The event was organised by the Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh at the Sonargaon hotel in Dhaka yesterday. Photo: Rashed Shumon

Political parties yesterday expressed their unwavering support for press freedom, highlighting its vital role in strengthening democracy and securing the nation's future.

They blasted the recent attacks on the press and called for an immediate end to such activities. They also cautioned that if such activities go on, the aspirations of the July uprising would not be fulfilled.

Top leaders of 13 political parties made these remarks at a views-exchange meeting on "Independent Journalism and Media Institutions Under Threat".

The Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (Noab) organised the programme at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel.

Speaking at the event, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said it is quite unfortunate that he had to discuss press freedom in a free environment after the fall of a fascist regime.

"Over the last 15 years, people, including political activists, had been in constant fear of being sued or landing in jail for writing in newspapers or speaking out. It is unfortunate that even after a mass uprising, attacks on media outlets remain a concern," he said.

He said the BNP always fought for freedom of speech, right to vote, and democracy.

"Some people are attempting to divide the people. Certain remarks are being made that could lead to complete anarchy. Together, we must stop this; or else, the sacrifices of the students and the masses will go in vain."

Fakhrul pointed out that certain actions lead to depoliticisation at times, which must be consciously avoided. He said that an elected government is the best option, but imposing control on it or on democracy is unacceptable.

"Creating anarchy or acting recklessly would lead the nation towards the gravest danger."

Urging caution, he warned against taking actions that could allow the ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina to manipulate incidents from abroad and this would ultimately spoil the opportunity to rebuild the nation.

He reaffirmed his party's commitment to protect freedom of the press, freedom of expression, and voting rights at all costs.

Andaleeve Rahman Partho, chairman of Bangladesh Jatiya Party, said it is not unlikely that press freedom would be under threat after the fall of such a fascist regime.

He said that when the interim government assumed office on August 8, the media outlets had said that the government should stay in power for two to three years. "They also said there is no difference between an Awami League government and that of the BNP's, and that the two parties are two sides of the same coin. This view of the media hurts us."

Partho said no one should think that if one government is replaced by another one, nothing will change. "Thinking along such line is another form of fascism."

"It is ultimately up to the people to decide. A gap has been created between political parties, the government, and the media. Many have tried to capitalise on this gap."

He also said the interim government has failed to keep in touch with the people.

"Had the government maintained more matured informal and formal relationships with the political parties, these problems would not have arisen."

Terming the incumbent government a weak government, Partho said no one can expect they would be protected by such a weak administration.

"Only a people's government, be it good or bad, can be held accountable. A political government can stand by the media and protect it."

Hamidur Rahman, assistant secretary general of Jamaat-e-Islami, said democracy and independent journalism are intrinsically linked.

He said his party thinks any attempt to weaken independent journalism is a conspiracy to undermine the state.

"Such actions constitute a new conspiracy aimed at obstructing the path of democracy and paving the way for the return of old fascism."

Highlighting Jamaat's continued support for independent journalism, Hamidur said, "Arson and other attacks and vandalism targeting newspaper offices are regrettable. We do not support such activities."

He called for a national consensus to address any such crisis.

Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna said, "When you talk about practising inclusive politics and democracy, you will also have to accept the idea of letting a hundred flowers to bloom. You cannot gag any opinion. Democracy is undoubtedly the rule of the majority, but at the same time, you must also acknowledge you cannot muzzle the minority communities."

He said every opinion must be allowed to be expressed.

"From this perspective, I believe that be it the Prothom Alo, The Daily Star, or any other newspaper or TV channel, they must be granted full freedom. If we cannot foster the expression of diverse opinions freely, it will be difficult for us to move forward."

Zonayed Saki, chief coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolon, said press freedom was the "key verdict" of the 1971 Liberation War and the 2024 mass uprising.

"For that, we need to stand for the media and its rights. Even if a media outlet is ideologically opposed to me, I will stand for its rights as well."

He said he believes there should be one standard for everyone.

"Even if we do not consider a particular media outlet ideologically correct, it still has the right to exist as a media entity. Ideological and political debates will continue, but committing a nuisance in front of a newspaper office aligns with fascist practices. Shutting a media outlet is an extension of this approach, and everyone should realise this."

Saki said there can be criticisms, and ideological differences among the people, but their freedom of speech should not be obstructed by any means.

"These issues should be clearly mentioned in the constitution in future."

There should be no compromise on press freedom because people rely on the media, he added.

Nasiruddin Patwary, convener of the Jatiya Nagorik Committee, called for unity among the stakeholders to resolve the problems facing the media through dialogue.

"Those who have resentment or complaints about any particular media outlet can resolve those issues through discussions," he said.

Nasir urged the media owners, workers, political figures, and all other stakeholders to come to a common platform so that no media house in the country would fall victim to aggression.

"Wherever there is an attack, we will collectively stand against it," he added.

Bazlur Rashid Firoz, general secretary of Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal, said attacks on newspapers and media outlets are effectively assaults on democracy and the mass uprising of 2024. "To counter these attacks, we must unite and move forward collectively."

Saiful Haque, general secretary of Biplobi Workers Party, described the slaughter of a cow for a feast in front of a newspaper office as an unbelievable, unimaginable and worrying act.

Condemning the incident, he said, "The question of who was behind this remains unaddressed. Who will uncover this? There must be provocation and instigation behind it."

Communist Party of Bangladesh General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince criticised the arbitrary cancellation of the accreditation cards of some journalists and filing of murder cases against some others.

He said people must stand united against the attacks on the media.

Rashed Khan, general secretary of Gono Odhikar Parishad, said his party strongly believes in freedom of speech and freedom of press.

"If the journalists cannot write independently even after the mass uprising, it would be deeply saddening."

He said the media did not play its due role over the past 15 years, and the authorities should investigate into this failure.

Mujibur Rahman Manju, member secretary of Amar Bangladesh (AB) Party, highlighted a "gap" between the media stakeholders and those protesting against some media outlets.

"It was the government's responsibility to engage with the demonstrators outside the Prothom Alo office. What could have been resolved through discussion has instead been allowed to evolve into an ideological or commercial issue."

Manju suggested that the Media Reform Commission or the Noab make recommendations to prevent such incidents.

Maulana Imtiaz Alam, assistant secretary general of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, said, "We believe in freedom of the media and we want to assist them. However, the media also need to make sure it do not write or say anything that goes against the belief of the majority. The media also need to show respect to our belief."

Jalaluddin Ahmed, joint secretary general of Bangladesh Khelafat Majlish, urged the owners of media outlets not to discriminate between political parties while running news on them.

Reading out a written statement, Noab President AK Azad expressed deep concern that at a time when media outlets should be operating in a pressure-free environment after the mass uprising, some newspapers and media houses are still facing threats, and even warnings of closure.

He said incidents such as laying siege to newspaper offices in the name of protests, creating chaos, attacking regional offices, and obstructing the distribution of newspapers in different parts of the country are totally unacceptable.

These actions are fostering an atmosphere of fear and intimidation, posing a serious threat to press freedom, he said.

"The actions and campaigns against the Prothom Alo and The Daily Star are not merely protests or expression of dissent, rather those involve issuing threats, making provocative statements, spreading hatred, creating chaos outside their offices, and resorting to violence whenever possible. Such actions are causing financial losses to the newspaper industry."

Azad stressed the need for taking strong measures against such undemocratic activities that threaten press freedom.

He said the safety of the media outlets and their employees must be ensured at all costs.

The Noab leader called upon all political parties to assist and cooperate with the media to safeguard press freedom.

Mahfuz Anam, executive member of Noab and also the president of the Editors' Council, said the media want to see an end to the oppressive measures taken to suppress independent journalism and stifle the press over the last 15 years.

He said the media had hoped that the situation would improve after the mass uprising, allowing journalists to carry out their duties freely and independently.

"Unfortunately, independent journalism is being attacked in new ways, which is highly condemnable and alarming. We believe political parties play a significant role in supporting independent journalism," said Anam, also the editor and publisher of The Daily Star.

He urged political parties to ensure press freedom.

Muntasir Ali, joint secretary general of Khelafat Majlish, also spoke at the event.

Khalekuzzaman, adviser of Basod; Maj (retd) Abdul Wahab, convener of AB Party; Jahangir Hossain, senior joint secretary general of Khelafat Majlish, and its Joint Secretary General Mahabubul Haque; and Abdul Kaiyum, central publicity affairs secretary of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, were present at the meeting, moderated by Dewan Hanif Mahmud, editor and publisher of daily Bonik Barta.

Shahidullah Khan Badal, Noab vice-president and publisher of New Age; Matiur Rahman, editor and publisher of Prothom Alo; Nurul Kabir, editor of New Age; Altamash Kabir, editor of Dainik Sangbad; Saiful Alam, editor of daily Jugantor; Shamsul Haque Zahid, editor of Financial Express; Mozammel Haque, editor of daily Karatoa; and Mostafa Mamun, editor of Desh Rupantar, were also present.​

 

[Saif]

Has the media gotten out of the grip of (self-)censorship?

Failing to pursue these fundamental reforms at this critical moment would perpetuate the past practice of media suppression.

www.thedailystar.net

Has the media gotten out of the grip of (self-)censorship?

File Illustration: Biplob Chakroborty

In Bangladesh, the stories citizens read are often shaped not by journalistic choice alone but by an invisible force—censorship. Whether imposed directly by government actions or adopted defensively by journalists, this practice casts a long shadow over press freedom. Its roots lie in the country's legal and political framework, where repressive laws and political pressures compel journalists to avoid sensitive issues that might provoke legal repercussions or retaliation. This dynamic creates a delicate dance between journalists and the government, in which the former treads carefully so as not to cross the invisible line.

Since the regime change on August 5, 2024, there has been a surge in legal cases and intimidation against media outlets, amplifying fears and deepening the grip of self-censorship. Despite Dr Muhammad Yunus's stated commitment to press freedom, actions like the cancellation of press credentials and the incarceration of journalists send troubling signals, leaving media freedom in Bangladesh at a perilous crossroads.

The constitution of Bangladesh promises freedom of thought, conscience, and expression, alongside press rights under Articles 39(1) and 39(2), with caveats of "reasonable restrictions" for national security, public order, and morality—vague terms often misused by authorities to limit dissent and critical journalism. In addition to the constitution, the Press Council Act of 1974 supports press freedom and upholds journalistic integrity. Yet, the effectiveness of this Act is limited, and it lacks the enforcement muscle to shield journalists from legal and extra-legal threats.

For years, successive governments in Bangladesh have wielded repressive laws to penalise speech deemed, in their broad understanding, to be false, offensive, defamatory, or disruptive to law and order. Among the earliest and most contentious of these laws is the Special Powers Act of 1974, which established far-reaching state censorship by criminalising vaguely defined "prejudicial" content. This Act, and others like it, have been routinely exploited to silence dissenting voices and restrict the media's ability to report freely. Its impact is particularly alarming for two reasons: the government's expansive interpretation of what qualifies as "prejudicial" and the troubling conflation of legitimate criticism with threats to national security. These dynamics have allowed the Act to become a powerful tool for suppressing opposing views, undermining the free exchange of ideas that a vibrant democracy requires.

Subsequent laws, including the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act, the Digital Security Act (DSA), and the Cyber Security Act (CSA), have continued this trend. Notorious provisions like Section 57 of the ICT Act penalised digital content deemed defamatory or religiously offensive with harsh sentences, fostering a culture of fear. Subsequently, the DSA of 2018 was enacted in response to public outcry over the ICT Act, while the CSA of 2023 followed as a reaction to international criticism of the DSA. Each of these laws has drawn criticism for pulling similar language from Section 57 of the ICT Act and repackaging it to retain authoritarian control over freedom of expression under broad pretexts like defamation, "negative propaganda," or hurting religious sentiments. Hundreds of arrests were made under this never-ending cycle of repressive laws, leading to accusations that the DSA (and then CSA) was used to silence dissent and discourage investigative journalism.

Since the fall of the past regime, the sacking of journalists for reportedly being linked with the previous government, without concrete criminal charges having been brought against them, is unsettling to say the least. Most recently, the government rescinded the press accreditation of numerous journalists, effectively restricting their access to government secretariats. Previously, the ICT Adviser Nahid Islam had, on several occasions, suggested that journalists could be prosecuted and punished due to their possible nexus with the erstwhile regime. The press secretary, Shafiqul Alam, gave a similar vague message. The cancellation of press passes and the administration's statement against journalists sends an ambiguous message: while the government maintains that it supports press freedom and expresses its willingness to repeal the draconian laws, its words and actions may pressure the media to cautiously choose its contents and stories.

It is important to mention that journalists are held to high professional and ethical standards and must uphold truth and accuracy in news reporting. The current legal framework, such as the 1993 Journalists' Code of Conduct, provides a grievance procedure if journalists breach their duties. The Code prohibits maliciously distorting or slanting news in commentary and headlines, requiring clear and fair presentation without bias. Newspapers are also expected to resist and expose crime and corruption. If any newspaper, news agency, editor, or journalist breaches journalistic ethics and codes of conduct, the Press Council, under Section 12(1) of the Press Council Act of 1974, may investigate complaints and warn, admonish, and rebuke the concerned parties after giving them an opportunity to be heard. There are legal recourse available in the existing Press Council Act and the Journalists' Code of Conduct.

The persecution of journalists without any specific allegations have attracted criticism from local and international quarters, raising alarms over the actual extent of media freedom in the country. Antoine Bernard of Reporters Without Borders called on the government to "stop the current legal harassment of more than 130 journalists" who have been charged with trumped-up crimes, as well as the arrest of some journalists without prior investigations. The Committee to Protect Journalists called for guaranteeing the procedural rights of incarcerated journalists.

The interim government's stated objective to right past wrongs and implement reform seems to be out of step with the continued plight of the media landscape in Bangladesh. The gap between the government's declared goals and the actual circumstances raises serious concerns about the current state and future trends of media independence. It may also thwart the goals of the Public Media Reform Commission, which is currently undertaking the job of furthering press freedom in Bangladesh.

Protests in July and August have flagged one of the most severe failures of the media in maintaining neutrality in times of crisis, yet similar patterns of media restrictions persist. If Bangladesh is to break out of this cycle where news outlets act primarily as a mouthpiece for the government, changes must extend beyond cosmetic promises. The interim government now has an opportunity and a corresponding responsibility to show real commitment to freedom of the press, which it can do by letting the Media Reform Commission work independently and by taking tangible steps that create an atmosphere where journalists can work without fear of retribution.

Failing to pursue these fundamental reforms at this critical moment would perpetuate the past practice of media suppression and drastically reduce public expectations of meaningful democratic change. The stakes are particularly high, given Bangladesh's history of political volatility and the critical role a free press must play in guaranteeing governmental accountability and fostering robust public debate.

Sangita Gazi is a postdoctoral research scholar at The Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.​

 

[Saif]

There should be no interference in press freedom: Zonayed Saki

Zonayed Saki stated, “We saw acclaimed media like Reuters carried a report that said the lawyer of Chinmoy Das has been killed. This is their plan.”

en.prothomalo.com

There should be no interference in press freedom: Zonayed Saki
Staff Correspondent
Chattogram
Published: 29 Nov 2024, 23: 03

Ganosamhati Andolan chief coordinator Zonayed Saki addresses as the chief guest at a mass dialogue at CRB Ground in Chattogram on 29 November 2024Prothom Alo

Ganosamhati Andolan chief coordinator Zonayed Saki on Friday said there should be no interference in the press freedom, people’s thinking, conscience and right to opinion.

“There should be no interference in the freedom of press, people’s thinking, conscience and right to opinion. Criticise the newspaper, everyone has that right. But attacking the newspaper office or something like that creates a perception around the world as if there is no press freedom in this country. This won’t bode well for us,” warned Zonayed Saki.

He was speaking as the chief guest at a mass dialogue at CRB Ground in Chattogram in the afternoon.

Chattogram unit of Ganosamhati Andolan organised the dialogue titled “Mass dialogue to establish a new political settlement for democratic transformation of the state”.

Over 500 leaders and activists of the party from Chattogram, Feni and other districts and upazilas attended the event.

Speaking about the killing of a lawyer in Chattogram, Saki said, “Saiful Islam was killed in a planned way. The Awami League and ISKCON men under the banner of ISKCON killed him. The banner of ISKCON was used so that the blame goes to the people of the Hindu community and the Muslims carry out attacks out of grievances, and they could send the photographs to the US.”

He stated, “We saw acclaimed media like Reuters carried a report that said the lawyer of Chinmoy Das has been killed. This is their plan. The image of Bangladesh is being presented to the western countries in such a way that the Hindus, Buddhists, Christians and other communities are not safe here.”

Expressing that staying in India, Sheikh Hasina has been conspiring to destroy Bangladesh, Zonayed Saki said, “You have thwarted their plot. You did not let any attack be carried out in Chattogram. As no attack is being carried out, the Awami League activists themselves are attacking the people of Hindu community now. I have heard there was an attempt to carry out an attack even today (Friday). That is why we need to forge a united measure to prevent those. Those who would attack the people of Hindu community are aides of the fascist and agents of local and foreign plotters. They want to destroy the uprising in Bangladesh and this government.”

Zonayed Saki contends there could be such elements within the government too, since many of their aides are still there hiding in various departments. They have to be identified and brought to book.

Mentioning the people as the centre of power, the Ganosamhati Andolan chief coordinator said there should be laws to ensure accountability of the people’s representatives to the people. For this there has to be the constitution and laws. Article 70 of the existing constitution has to be amended. Only the government will not appoint people in the constitutional posts. Instead, the governing party, the opposition and the judiciary will appoint their representatives, so that no partisan person could be appointed there. The judiciary must be made independent.

Indicating the government, Zonayed Saki said, “Maybe the interim government could not perform up to the people’s expected level as of now, we are criticising the government for that. Despite that, this interim government has been trying to carry out its responsibilities aligning with the interests of the people. We will criticise them and at the same time help them. A democratic constitution, reforms of the state and its laws and democratic elections are required for a new political settlement.”

He called on everyone to be united to form such a democratic force.

The dialogue was chaired by Ganosamhati Andolan’s Chattogram district unit coordinator Hasan Maruf.

Other speakers at the event also put emphasis on unity to work so that no autocratic force could usurp power in the new Bangladesh achieved through a mass-uprising.​

 

[Saif]

Environment for free expression a must

Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman yesterday said significant reforms are needed in the state administration.

www.thedailystar.net

Environment for free expression must: Matiur Rahman

​

Photo: Collected

Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman today said many reforms have to be made in the administration.

Matiur made the remarks as a guest speaker at an award ceremony held in honour of the late Professor Sitara Parveen of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University.

And to be successful in state affairs, there should be an open democratic environment and free expression throughout the society, he added.

There must be more open discussions on all important state issues.

"We have to work for journalism with courage from an independent and non-partisan position," Matiur said.

The event took place at the Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed Khan paid glowing tribute to the memory of Prof Dr Sitara Parvin.

A total of 10 meritorious students of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism of DU were recognised with the Prof Sitara Parvin Award for their outstanding results in BSS (Hons) final examination of 2022.

Prof Dr Sitara Parvin, daughter of former President Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed and wife of retired Journalism Prof Dr Ahaduzzaman Mohammad Ali, died in a tragic road accident on June 23, 2005 in the US.​

 

[Saif]

Reduce VAT on newsprint, ensure press freedom

Members of Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (Noab) yesterday met the Media Reform Commission and spoke for press freedom, independent journalism, and reduction of VAT on newsprint.

www.thedailystar.net

Reduce VAT on newsprint, ensure press freedom
Noab urges Media Reform Commission

Members of Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (Noab) yesterday met the Media Reform Commission and spoke for press freedom, independent journalism, and reduction of VAT on newsprint.

During a views-exchange meeting with the commission, they demanded the necessary reforms in the Bangladesh Press Council and Department of Films and Publications (DFP) and underscored the necessity of lessening politicisation in newspaper ownership.

Kamal Ahmed, chief of the commission, stressed that the media should be free from any political influence so that they can work for the interest of the people.

He underlined the need for media free from political influence given the grievance expressed over the failure and controversial role of many media during the July-August uprising.

The meeting was held at the office of Noab President AK Azad.

"We don't have the environment for independent media due to the existing legal framework for the media," said a press release of the commission, quoting Mahfuz Anam, The Daily Star editor and publisher, as saying.

Prothom Alo Editor and Publisher Matiur Rahman said the newspaper industry became sick in this digital era. Besides, circulation of newspapers and the income from advertisement dropped sharply due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mentioning that the previous governments tried to control the media, he said, "No governments in the past allowed media freedom and journalists could not work independently."

However, the previous government considered newspapers as its enemy, he said.

New Age Publisher Shahidullah Khan questioned the necessity of the enlistment of media outlets. He said the Press Council should be modernised and kept free from any influence of the executive.

Urging the commission to be careful so that no vested quarters can misguide them, Bonik Barta Editor and Publisher Dewan Hanif Mahmud criticised filing of cases against editors and journalists and the revocation of accreditation cards of journalists.

AK Azad, also the publisher of daily Samakal, said they, as publishers, had to face threats and incur financial loss. Except for the newspaper industry, all other industries got incentives during the Covid-19 pandemic, he said.

He also hoped that the Media Reform Commission would place specific recommendations for the independence of editors.

During the meeting, Kamal said there is no way that the commission would be influenced by any vested quarters, and that they would submit recommendations based on the opinions of stakeholders.

He added that the commission would seek opinions from all stakeholders to prepare guidelines for the state-run Bangladesh Betar, BTV, and Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS).

Daily Sangbad Editor Altamash Kabir and daily Financial Herald Publisher Masrur Reza also spoke at the meeting attended by other members of the commission.​

 

[Saif]

Student protesters entered Somoy TV owner’s offices, journos sacked

A gang of Bangladesh student protesters entered the offices of the investor of a television station, accusing it of “propaganda”, protesters said yesterday, with at least five journalists subsequently fired.

www.thedailystar.net

Student protesters entered Somoy TV owner’s offices, journos sacked

A gang of Bangladesh student protesters entered the offices of the investor of a television station, accusing it of "propaganda", protesters said yesterday, with at least five journalists subsequently fired.

The students had taken part in the August revolution that toppled prime minister Sheikh Hasina, whose tenure was marked as one of the worst periods for media freedom.

Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the Anti-Discrimination Students Movement, led around 15 to 20 students on December 17 to the offices of City Group, which invests in Somoy Television.

"Somoy Television was spreading propaganda, twisting my comments, and accommodating the views of a fallen political party," Hasnat told AFP.

"We are staunch supporters of press freedom, but the press must remain unbiased," Hasnat said, adding that he saw no issue in making demands -- but rejecting reports that the students had handed over a list of those they wanted to be fired.

The managing director of the business conglomerate that funds the television station did not respond to repeated requests for comment.

The incident has intensified fear among journalists in the wake of the revolution.

One journalist, Omar Faroque, who had been a senior editor of the television station, said he was among the five who received a termination letter without reason.

"The television authorities requested a few of us to step down for the greater good of the station," Faroque told AFP.

"We demanded an explanation for the decision, but the authorities refused to provide any."

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus has repeatedly insisted he wants media freedom.

CA's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam sought to distance the government, saying that if someone "takes any action, the responsibility lies with them".

Press watchdogs say many journalists -- seen by critics as having supported Hasina when she was in power -- face police investigations in apparent retaliation for their past work.

At least four journalists were imprisoned, and scores are facing legal cases across the country.

Hasina and her government were frequently accused of exerting undue pressure on the handful of independent media outlets, including shutting down newspapers and TV channels and imprisoning journalists.

After Hasina's government fell, several TV channels, including Somoy TV, came under attack for their alleged allegiance to her Awami League.

In November, protesters besieged the offices of Prothom Alo, the largest Bangla-language newspaper, and threatened to shut it down, as well as The Daily Star.

Press freedom in Bangladesh has long been under threat.

Bangladesh ranks 165 out of 180 countries in press freedom, according to Reporters Without Borders.​

 

[Saif]

Proper reforms will strengthen the media

The changes proposed by the Media Reform Commission will address journalist vulnerabilities.

www.thedailystar.net

Proper reforms will strengthen the media
Proposed changes by media commission to address journalist vulnerabilities

VISUAL: STAR

We welcome the long-overdue official conversation on legislating protection for journalists in Bangladesh. The chief of the Media Reform Commission recently announced plans to recommend a new law to safeguard journalists, as well as amending 32 existing laws that hinder press freedom. Such initiatives are critical if we want a media industry that can truly serve as the fourth pillar of democracy, holding those in power accountable.

At a recent dialogue in Dhaka, the commission chief also underscored the importance of financial security for journalists, advocating for a minimum floor wage applicable nationwide. This statement coincides with the unveiling of findings from a Broadcast Journalist Center (BJC) survey that revealed that over half of the country's TV channels are failing to pay their employees on time, while at least 20 percent owe workers several months' salaries. The survey also found that less than 25 percent of channels provide provident funds, and only 10 percent offer gratuities. Similar challenges plague many print outlets as well. Alarmingly, especially outside Dhaka, journalists often have to juggle multiple roles—as reporters, ad procurers, and salespeople—leaving them vulnerable to corruption and exploitation.

Physical security remains another major concern. Reports of journalists facing attacks—sometimes fatal—while pursuing their work are far too frequent. We cannot forget the tragic death of Golam Rabbani Nadeem, district correspondent of Banglanews24.com and Ekattor TV, who was beaten to death after reporting on a local upazila parishad chairman's activities in Jamalpur. Equally haunting is the unresolved case of journalist couple Sagar Sarowar and Meherun Runi, who were murdered in their home 12 years ago, with justice still eluding their families.

In addition to these risks, journalists also face job insecurity. According to the BJC survey, at least 150 TV journalists lost their jobs this year alone. Expecting journalists to uphold high standards under such conditions is not only unrealistic, but also inhumane. This is why we applaud the Media Reform Commission's initiative to address these systemic issues. Reforms must ensure that the press is free from government interference and undue influence from powerful entities. Introducing a uniform code of conduct, aligned with international best practices, could help promote ethical and high-quality journalism.

Such measures are crucial to fostering a media landscape capable of holding power to account. We eagerly await substantive reforms that will enable journalists to thrive professionally and contribute to a more transparent, accountable society. Independent, fact-based journalism benefits everyone—and its sustainability depends on the authorities' commitment to ensuring journalists' well-being.​