CPJ urges political parties to commit to press freedom ahead of polls
It also urged party leaders to ensure those commitments are upheld after the vote if they are elected
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has written to Bangladesh's major political parties ahead of the national election on 12 February, urging them to take urgent steps to safeguard press freedom and ensure the safety of journalists.
In separate letters, the New York-based media watchdog called on the BNP, Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, National Citizen Party and Jatiyo Party to make public commitments to protect journalists during the election period, according to a press release published on CPJ's website yesterday (29 January).
It also urged party leaders to ensure those commitments are upheld after the vote if they are elected.
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"CPJ research indicates that risks to journalists have intensified in the pre-election period, including physical attacks on media outlets, threats, harassment linked to political polarisation, and the continued imprisonment of five journalists on charges that appear connected to their reporting or perceived political affiliations.
"At the same time, longstanding impunity for violence against journalists and a lack of meaningful progress on promised media reforms have contributed to a climate of fear and self-censorship," reads the press release.
CPJ said political parties should reject violence, intimidation and the use of criminal or national security laws against journalists, warning that such practices undermine free and fair elections.
