Editors’ Council voices concerns over media freedom

The Editors’ Council on Tuesday raised concerns regarding media freedom in Bangladesh, stating that the freedom of the press remains under threat.

Despite recent supportive statements from various sectors of the interim government, media freedom continues to face challenges, the council said in a joint statement signed by its President Mahfuz Anam and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud.

The Editors’ Council called on the government to address “mob justice” in all institutions, including the media, and urged all parties to respect the principles of press freedom.

The council’s statement highlighted the importance of protecting media freedom as part of the new Bangladesh envisioned after the mass upsurge of August 5.

This commitment, they noted, has been reiterated by many, including the interim government.

However, the council said that recent attacks and threats against media outlets indicate ongoing pressures on the freedom of the press.

The offices of prominent newspapers, including Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, have faced threats and appeals for enhanced security have been made to law enforcement agencies.

In this context, the council acknowledged the prompt response by law enforcement agencies.

The council expressed that any grievances against the news or editorial stance of a newspaper should be addressed intellectually, with statements or articles providing counterpoints, rather than through intimidation or threats.

They viewed these threats as a repetition of practices reminiscent of previous restrictive regimes.

In its statement, the Editors’ Council condemned efforts to disrupt independent journalism, emphasising the importance of a free press.

The Editors’ Council held a meeting on Monday, chaired by The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam.

The meeting at The Daily Star office included Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, Manab Zamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, Ajker Patrika Editor Golam Rahman, Financial Express Editor Shamsul Haque Zahid, Jugantor Editor Saiful Alam, Ittefaq Editor Tasmima Hossain, Banik Barta Editor and Publisher Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Sangbad Editor Altamash Kabir, Dhaka Tribune Editor Zafar Sobhan, Desh Rupantor Editor Mostafa Mamun, and Sangbad Executive Editor Shahriar Karim.