Diplomats call for stronger protection of freedom of speech, press in Bangladesh
Expressing solidarity with The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, the Italian ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro said freedom of information lies at the core of their values.
Diplomats stationed in Dhaka expressed solidarity with The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, highlighting the importance of press freedom and freedom of speech as fundamental pillars of democracy.
Ambassadors, high commissioners, and representatives of diplomatic missions in Dhaka joined a programme held in front of the Prothom Alo office in Karwan Bazar today (18 February), marking the inauguration of an art exhibition titled "An Artwork on the Attacked and Burnt Prothom Alo Building" by artist Mahbubur Rahman.
Among those present were Ambassador and Head of Delegation of the European Union to Bangladesh Michael Miller, Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Pranay Verma, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke, Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh, French Ambassador to Bangladesh Jean-Marc Séré-Charlet, and Italian Ambassador to Bangladesh Antonio Alessandro.
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EU Ambassador Miller said he and many of his colleagues had come in December to express solidarity and had returned because they believe in media freedom and freedom of expression, and because they consider journalists fearless defenders of democracy.
Expressing solidarity with The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, the Italian ambassador said freedom of information lies at the core of their values.
The British high commissioner said they joined the programme to demonstrate their support for media freedom as a foundational pillar of democracy.
She recalled the shocking events that occurred in December and mentioned that, as a member of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) in Bangladesh, they strongly condemned the attacks carried out against journalists, editors, and media houses.
"Such acts of violence and intimidation are unacceptable and strike at the heart of press freedom and the public's right to be informed," the MFC said in a statement on 19 December.
The MFC called for ensuring the safety of all media professionals and for swift, impartial investigations so that those responsible are held accountable. "Journalists must be able to carry out their work without fear," it said.
The MFC added that protecting journalists is essential to upholding the rule of law, democratic values, and an open, informed society.
US Embassy Spokesperson Poornima Rai said the United States is fully committed to freedom of expression and freedom of speech, and that it stands behind The Daily Star and Prothom Alo.
Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman said journalists must remain committed to standing beside one another and rejecting division.
He affirmed that they would continue to pursue the truth and that the growing spirit of unity within the journalistic community would endure.
The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam urged the new government to conduct an unhindered investigation into the twin attacks to uncover those who orchestrated them behind the scenes, those who instigated them, and those who carried them out.
He also appreciated his colleagues for the spirit they demonstrated in the aftermath of the attacks, describing it as unbelievable.
He said this spirit symbolises devotion to journalism and courage.
