Recent ‘mob attacks’ organised, premeditated: Nurul Kabir
Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) organised the event
New Age Editor Nurul Kabir has said mobs are generally viewed as chaotic forces, but the recent attacks he observed were organised and premeditated, alleging government patronage behind them.
Although the chief adviser's press secretary initially denied the allegations, a subsequent Facebook post contradicted that claim, he added.
The veteran journalist made the remarks yesterday at a dialogue titled "Media Reform in Bangladesh: Between Freedom, Responsibility and Power," held on Tuesday (27 January) at the Cirdap Auditorium in Dhaka to discuss key challenges and reform priorities in the mass media sector.
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Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) organised the event, where speakers warned that the country's media space is increasingly constrained despite its vital role in a democratic society.
Former head of the Media Reform Commission Kamal Ahmed criticised the government's last-minute rush to pass ordinances near the end of its tenure, expressing doubts about their sustainability.
He said recently introduced ordinances on the Information Broadcasting Commission and Media Commission appeared to be patchwork initiatives that lacked proper consultation.
He urged media owners to ensure fair financial benefits for journalists.
CGS President Zillur Rahman, referring to recent arson incidents at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star and the harassment of a senior editor critical of the government, questioned the state of media freedom.
He also noted that a government representative at a CGS event refused to describe the incidents as "mob attacks," claiming it would undermine the spirit of the mass uprising
