Govt rejects NOAB's claims, reaffirms commitment to media freedom
Blanket accusations based on a flawed interpretation of events do not advance press freedom, the statement reads
The interim government has strongly rejected a recent statement by the Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) regarding the state of media freedom and the safety of journalists.
In a statement issued by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing today (8 August), it stated that the government dismissed NOAB's insinuation that the interim government has been responsible for undermining freedom of expression or media independence over the past year, asserting that it has maintained a hands-off approach to the nation's media.
The government also reiterated its commitment to transparency, safety, and freedom, inviting all stakeholders to work together to preserve these fundamental values.
Keep updated, follow The Business Standard's Google news channel
The government's response directly addresses NOAB's concerns, which were expressed following incidents at the Daily Janakantha and a report by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on press freedom.
NOAB had highlighted alarming trends of harassment against journalists, including deaths, dismissals, and the use of intimidation tactics against media houses.
"The government has not interfered in the 'editorial, operational, or business aspects' of any media organisation since assuming office," reads the statement.
It noted that the interim government has demonstrated "exceptional restraint" even when faced with what it described as misinformation. It further pointed out that several media outlets, which were shut down by the now-fallen Awami League regime, have been allowed to resume operations under Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus' administration.
The government also defended its reform of the Secretariat's media accreditation process, which NOAB had criticised.
The statement argued that the previous system was compromised, with passes often being used by individuals who were not genuine journalists. A new temporary system has been introduced to ensure access for bona fide journalists while a more permanent system is being developed.
The statement also challenged NOAB to look inward, suggesting that many of the challenges facing journalists, such as wage exploitation, denial of labour rights, and unsafe working conditions, are the responsibility of media owners.
"NOAB's concerns would carry more weight if they were grounded in facts and directed at the right parties. Blanket accusations based on a flawed interpretation of events do not advance press freedom, they only distract from the real challenges facing Bangladesh's media landscape," the statement added.
The statement also highlighted that the dismissal of journalists was a result of "internal political and business calculations" of the media houses themselves, not government pressure.
It called for a shared responsibility in ensuring the safety of journalists and noted that the government is considering a new "Journalists' Protection Law" proposed by the Media Reform Commission.
