[🇧🇩] Press Freedom in Bangladesh

[Saif]

Four journos of a newspaper injured in attack

Four journalists, including the editor and managing editor of the Janabani newspaper, were injured in an attack by criminals near their office in the capital's Banglamotor area yesterday afternoon.

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Four journos of a newspaper injured in attack

Four journalists, including the editor and managing editor of the Janabani newspaper, were injured in an attack by criminals near their office in the capital's Banglamotor area yesterday afternoon.

The incident took place around 4:30pm when the journalists were on their way to the office.

The injured include Shafiqul Islam, editor and publisher of Janabani, Managing Editor Raju Ahmed Shah, Special Correspondent Bashir Hossain Khan, and online editor Ataur Hossain.

According to Bashir Hossain, a group of 20-22 men ambushed them.

"At first, we could not comprehend the situation. It appeared to be a pre-planned attack. We did not recognise any of them," he said.

He further mentioned that earlier a person named Ramzan had come to the Janabani office and threatened the staff.

The attackers reportedly first inquired about their names before launching the assault. "The way they came at us suggested that someone had directed them to attack us," Bashir added.

The journalists were taken to the emergency department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 6:00pm. They received treatment for their injuries and were later discharged.​

 

[Saif]

Suspension of accreditation cards a threat to free press

Says it poses threat, obstacle to independent journalism

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Suspension of accreditation cards a threat to free press
Says Editors’ Council

The Editors' Council, in a statement yesterday, strongly condemned the suspension of journalists' accreditation cards and access to the Secretariat, stating that such an order poses a threat and obstacle to independent journalism.

On Friday, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order through a press release, which stated that the decision was made in the wake of security concerns arising from a fire incident at the Secretariat.

The order said that journalists' access to the Secretariat via accreditation cards has been suspended until further notice.

The next day, the Chief Adviser's Press Wing expressed regret over the restriction of journalists' access. In a statement, it said that, considering the security of the Secretariat, the administrative hub, journalists' entry using the current accreditation cards had been limited along with all other non-government passes.

The government also announced plans to review the existing press accreditation cards soon, it added.

Yesterday, a press note from the Department of Information stated that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is reassessing the accreditation cards.

The note further mentioned that permanent and temporary accreditation cards/passes will be reissued soon, and temporary passes for journalists will be provided starting today.

While welcoming the initiative to reassess and review the accreditation cards, the Editors' Council said that there is room for collaboration, if necessary, to identify unprofessional journalists.

However, it emphasised that imposing a blanket restriction on journalists' access is perceived globally as an attack on independent journalism, the statement said.

"Such tendencies were also evident during the fascist rule of the Awami League. When financial irregularities were rampant, journalists' access to regulatory institutions like Bangladesh Bank was restricted. During that time, journalists' stance on such activities was clear and unequivocal, as seen during the pre-uprising era leading to the downfall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5," the statement said.

The statement further added that after the interim government took office, demands arose for the reform or repeal of the Cyber Security Act.

On November 7, the interim government made a policy decision to repeal the act, and subsequently, on December 24, the advisory council of the interim government approved the draft of the Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2024.

"The new ordinance retains the same powers for the police as before, particularly outlined in Sections 35 and 36. Notably, the repealed Cyber Security Act also granted similar powers to the police, which was one of the major concerns raised by the Editors' Council regarding the misuse of police authority under the law," the statement read.

The Editors' Council said that the unwarranted cancellation of journalists' accreditation cards and access to the Secretariat is unjustified.

Moreover, it noted that the unilateral adoption of the ordinance without consultation with relevant stakeholders is disappointing and reflects an authoritarian mindset.

"Alongside protesting the cancellation of access, the council called for appropriate steps to address the concerns raised about the provisions in the draft Cyber Protection Ordinance, 2024, based on the opinions of all relevant stakeholders," it stated.​

 

[Saif]

CA’s Press Wing sits with journalist groups

The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Monday held a meeting with the leaders of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, Dhaka Union of Journalists, Dhaka Reporters’ Unity and Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF). “We told them we regret the inconvenience caused by the decis

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CA’s Press Wing sits with journalist groups
UNB
Published :
Dec 30, 2024 20:53
Updated :
Dec 30, 2024 20:53

The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing on Monday held a meeting with the leaders of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, Dhaka Union of Journalists, Dhaka Reporters’ Unity and Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF).

“We told them we regret the inconvenience caused by the decision to limit entry of journalists at the Secretariat,” Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said after the meeting.

They appreciated the government’s decision to quickly issue temporary entry passes to more than 200 journalists, he said.

“We’ve assured them the government would come up with more journalist-friendly and efficient accreditation cards for journalists,” Alam said.

No journalists will be affected by the new move, he said.

Leaders of all four groups who joined the meeting agreed to submit their proposals to improve accreditation cards and entry system for the Secretariat, Alam said.

“We believe in freedom of press and free flow of information. We also won’t compromise an inch on the question of national security,” Alam said.​

 

[Saif]

Challenges to media freedom in post-Hasina Bangladesh

Post-uprising media changes in Bangladesh face setbacks amid ongoing challenges.

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Challenges to media freedom in post-Hasina Bangladesh

FILE VISUAL: ANWAR SOHEL

After the student-led mass uprising in July-August 2024, a lot of expectations emerged within society, which was normal. The media sector is no exception. During Sheikh Hasina's 15-plus years of hybrid regime, standard journalism practices declined drastically due to certain actions of a group of pro-Awami League journalists. It would be more appropriate to call them activists of the regime. The press wing of the ousted prime minister and a particular intelligence branch exerted a kind of pressure on our media outlets. That's why, after the Awami League's fall in August, people expected major changes in this sector. However, these expectations, under the interim government led by Prof Muhammad Yunus, have already experienced setbacks for many reasons. It is unfortunate that professional journalists who played a pivotal role in ousting Hasina are now facing unfortunate situations.

After the massive fire at the secretariat on December 26, another controversial decision related to journalism was made. Due to security concerns, the interim government suspended accreditation cards for journalists, including visitor and other passes. Barring others from the secretariat may be necessary, but restricting journalists from performing their daily duties is not acceptable. Although the press wing of the chief adviser clarified the issue and a temporary pass-issuance process was put in place, this decision ultimately did not bode well for media freedom. The Editors' Council and other journalists'-rights-based organisations issued statements saying that such decisions are a threat and an obstacle to independent journalism. By observing the situation closely, I can assume that this particular decision did not help journalism at all. However, I strongly agree with the authorities that many unprofessional journalists are holding accreditation cards for purposes other than journalism. These should be cancelled as early as possible.

Another burning and unfortunate issue is the firing of five senior journalists from Somoy TV. No doubt, this media outlet was one of the notorious propaganda machines of Sheikh Hasina. It systematically spread the regime's disinformation. On the other hand, this channel also targeted individuals who were critical of the ousted fascist regime. That said, firing journalists through "mob justice" is not acceptable. The information ministry and the press wing of the chief adviser failed to address this issue. This was undoubtedly done through the misconduct of student leaders. The press wing and the government should have taken proper action against it, but they did nothing. It has already become an international issue, which does not align with the reputation of Prof Yunus at all.

Yes, we are well aware that different media outlets under Sheikh Hasina became almost party propaganda cells. However, after her fall, intervening in TV channels and newspapers is not acceptable either. Alongside the spin doctors of these outlets, many professional journalists have also lost their jobs in recent months. These decisions were made under pressure and without following due process. A journalist of ATN Bangla is one of them; as far as I know, he had supported the students' movement. Yet, the ATN Bangla authorities fired him. The government did nothing in these journalists' aid. At the very least, it could have issued a strong statement against this malpractice.

Though Sheikh Hasina has fled, and her press and intelligence wings have been dissolved, has the sense of fairness in free journalism disappeared? Not at all. Senior journalist and editor of the daily Manab Zamin, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, pointed out this issue during a public discussion. I think pressure groups—including some anti-discrimination student activists, government members, powerful political parties, and others—are already acting against media freedom.

I want to conclude with the example of journalist Khaled Muhiuddin, a renowned journalist who faced severe backlash on social media mainly for criticising student leaders. He also became a target after inviting a leader of Bangladesh Chhatra League, student wing of the Awami League, as a guest on his show. Hasnat Abdullah, convener of the anti-discrimination student movement, and Sarjis Alam, secretary of the July Shaheed Smrity Foundation, said Khaled Muhiuddin was "betraying the blood of the martyrs" by promoting Chhatra League. Though the proposed show was not conducted supposedly due to legal reasons, this issue has certainly cast a shadow over media freedom.

According to a report published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF) in May last year, Bangladesh ranks 165th out of 180 countries in the Press Freedom Index. Moreover, RSF identified Bangladesh as one of the most dangerous countries for journalists in their 2024 round-up report.

We don't want Bangladesh to be labelled as a dangerous country for journalism. We don't want further degradation of press freedom, and we don't want to lose the sense of fairness in professional journalism again. Hopefully, the interim government will take prompt and necessary steps in this regard. A new Bangladesh certainly deserves it.

Rahat Minhaz is assistant professor of mass communication and journalism at Jagannath University.​

 

[Saif]

‘Now is the time to pursue stories without fear’

Bangladesh is experiencing “unprecedented media freedom” as it transitions to democracy, said Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam yesterday.

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‘Now is the time to pursue stories without fear’

Shafiqul says country seeing unprecedented media freedom

Bangladesh is experiencing "unprecedented media freedom" as it transitions to democracy, said Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam yesterday.

Speaking at the launch of the "Development Media Forum" by Oxfam at a city hotel, he said, "We haven't used security agencies, administrative orders, or repressive laws to muzzle people's voices over the last five months."

Encouraging journalists to ask tough questions, Shafiqul said, "You can criticise me, the panel of advisers, and the chief adviser. You have that freedom."

Highlighting the role of the media, he said, "For democracy to be institutionalised, media freedom is crucial. Now is the time for journalists to pursue any stories without fear."

Shafiqul criticised unchecked development projects, both public and private, for harming the environment and marginalised communities.

"Powerful lobby groups harm nature in the name of job creation. Is it development?" he asked.

Press Institute Bangladesh Director General Faruk Wasif said it is time to question whether inequalities have increased under the Awami League in the name of development.

"The so-called development narrative of past years failed to ensure freedom, serving instead to establish authoritarianism," he said.

Swedish Ambassador Nicolas Weeks highlighted the challenge of misinformation but pledged Sweden's support for good journalism in Bangladesh.

"Media can promote social justice and be the voice of the underrepresented," he added.

Oxfam Bangladesh Country Director Ashish Damle said the organisation aims to enhance knowledge sharing and bridge local and global perspectives for better reporting on key issues, including climate change, gender equality, and social justice.

The event featured journalists, development practitioners, and diplomats discussing the media's role in fostering sustainable development and public debate.​

 

[Saif]

Hasina regime silenced media

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam yesterday said steps must be taken to ensure that no one can directly interfere with the media in the future like it was done during the ousted Sheikh Hasina government.

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Hasina regime silenced media
Shafiqul Alam says previous govt used state agencies to muzzle press

VISUAL: ANWAR SOHEL

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam yesterday said steps must be taken to ensure that no one can directly interfere with the media in the future like it was done during the ousted Sheikh Hasina government.

He said, "Over the past 15 years, intelligence agencies also played a role in silencing newspapers. Journalists would lose their jobs if they received certain phone calls, and news reports had to be removed..."

Shafiqul Alam made these remarks at a discussion titled "Media Reform Proposals: Citizens' Perspectives".

The event was organised by a group named "We Want a Fascism-Free Media" at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity in the capital's Segunbagicha.

Shafiqul said, "The previous government had the capability to control the media. A single phone call from DGFI, NSI, DB, or a minister was enough. I have heard many stories about how they controlled the media."

Advising to compile writings by columnists who defended fascist rule, he said, "Do not spread hatred against anyone. Punishing someone is not our objective. Conduct research; we aim to expose those who crafted the narratives."

Shafiqul said the previous government even justified murder as acceptable through its narratives. He emphasised the need for collective efforts to prevent the seeds of fascism from being sown again in Bangladesh.

He also said, "Ensuring the application of copyright law is crucial. All journalists must speak out strongly on this issue."

"You spend two months working on a report, and in just one minute, another news outlet -- or even a hundred outlets -- steals it. You take a great photo, and a major newspaper publishes it without permission. If you produce a quality report, a hundred outlets steal it. Those who engage in such theft should be shut down."

Akbar Hossain Majumder, press minister at the Bangladesh High Commission in the UK; Plabon Tariq, the group's spokesperson; Uttara University teacher Mahbub Alam, and lawyer Mollah Md Faruque Kaiser also spoke at the event.

Joynal Abedin Shishir, convener of the group, moderated the discussion.

The event concluded with the presentation of 13 proposals aimed at reforming the media.​

 

[Saif]

Effective press council to be formed: Kamal Ahmed

Media Reform Commission chief Kamal Ahmed said the commission has been formed to make the media independent and strong. The commission will recommend the formulation of suitable policies so that the media can play their role properly. Those who will survive in the journalism competition by followi

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Effective press council to be formed: Kamal Ahmed
RANGPUR CORRESPONDENT
Published :
Jan 19, 2025 22:32
Updated :
Jan 20, 2025 00:20

Media Reform Commission chief Kamal Ahmed said the commission has been formed to make the media independent and strong. The commission will recommend the formulation of suitable policies so that the media can play their role properly.

Those who will survive in the journalism competition by following the rules and regulations properly will be acceptable, he added.

Mr Kamal was speaking at a view exchange meeting with journalists of Rangpur division at the conference room of Rangpur district administration on Sunday afternoon.

The head of the media reform commission said normal development of mass media is not possible without healthy competition. "There is a tendency to use the media for personal and business interests or political influence in the country. There should be a minimum salary guarantee for the country's media workers," he said.

"If journalists do not have financial security, they will not have the mentality to work independently," he said.

In the meeting, the participants presented various proposals for media reform.

The proposals include:
​

• Formation of a media commission​
• Establishment of branch offices of PIB at the divisional level to enhance the skills of journalists​
• Bridging the gap between capital-based journalists and journalists in rural areas​
• Compelling all media to follow the guidelines of the Wage Board​
• Recognition of the profession of journalism​
• Keeping journalists free from partisan influence​
• Establishing control over online media​
• Repealing of laws gagging journalists​
• Determination of minimum educational qualifications for journalists​
• Eliminating party influence on DFP enlistment​
• Providing a unique identification number to journalists​
• Bringing journalists under social security​
• Ensuring equality of opportunity for all​
• Elimination of discrimination in advertising, etc.​

Commission members Shamsul Haque Zahid, Prof Gitiara Nasreen, Begum Kamrunnesa Hasan, Mostafa Sabuj and Abdullah Al Mamun and its deputy secretary Kazi Ziaul Baset, among others, were present at the view exchange meeting.

Around 120 journalists from online, electronic and print media from eight districts and upazilas of Rangpur division joined the meeting.​

 

[Saif]

MRC aims to build independent, strong, objective media: Kamal Ahmed

Media Reform Commission (MRC) Chief Kamal Ahmed said on Tuesday that the main objective of the commission is to build an independent, strong and objective media. He made the remark while exchanging views with journalists from print and electronic media in Rajshahi division at the conference room o

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MRC aims to build independent, strong, objective media: Kamal Ahmed
BSS
Published :
Jan 21, 2025 21:04
Updated :
Jan 21, 2025 21:04

Media Reform Commission (MRC) Chief Kamal Ahmed said on Tuesday that the main objective of the commission is to build an independent, strong and objective media.

He made the remark while exchanging views with journalists from print and electronic media in Rajshahi division at the conference room of the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Rajshahi.

Kamal Ahmed said the commission is working to meet the expectations of the people by overcoming the anger and crisis of trust arisen in the media during the regime of fascist Awami League government due to the inability of doing impartial and independent journalism.

Stressing the need of identifying the weaknesses of the media to meet the people’s expectations, he said they are trying to identify the weaknesses by conducting public opinion surveys based on the opinions of the field level journalists, editors and readers.

In addition, he said, they are also trying to figure out the weaknesses of the media hearing the opinions of newspaper owners and others involved with the media industry.

Referring to compliance with the code of conduct in doing objective journalism, he said that if the code of conduct and principles are followed, it is possible to do objective and impartial journalism alongside removing other obstacles.

Regarding the issue of disclosing the assets of newspaper or television owners, he said that newspaper owners and editors should publish annual financial statement.

When everyone is being held accountable in all cases, why newspaper owners or editors should be exempted from it, he added.

Kamal Ahmed said that the commission will work on bringing them under accountability as well.

Agreeing with the issue of providing assistance to the families of journalists who died during the movement while performing their professional duties, he said that the issue of compensation for the dead and injured is an important question.

“We have to take this into consideration,” he said, adding, they should be brought under assistance through the July Foundation.

He advised the government to be more aware in this regard.

He also said that the issues of withdrawing cases should be considered with priority basis as they have been faced harassment cases, served jail terms and remained unemployed.

Media Reform Commission members Professor Dr Gitiara Nasreen, Shamsul Haque Zahid, Kamrunnesa Hasan, Jimmy Amir, Deputy Information Officer of Rajshahi Regional Information Office Md. Touhiduzzaman, Deputy Regional Director of Bangladesh Betar Rajshahi Mohammad Jahangir Alam, editors of various daily and online newspapers, publishers and journalist leaders of various districts, among others, also joined the meeting.​