Editors' Council condemns cancelling journalists' access to secretariat

The Editors' Council has condemned suspending journalists' accreditation cards and restricting their entry to the Bangladesh Secretariat following a devastating fire on 26 December, stating that organisations concerned believe the order threatens independent journalism.

In a statement today (29 December), the council said imposing a restriction on journalists' access can be perceived as an attack on independent journalism.

Earlier on 27 December, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order that the decision was made for security concerns after the fire incident.

The order said journalists' access to the secretariat using their accreditation cards was suspended until further notice.

The next day, the Chief Adviser's Press Wing said for security concerns, the administrative hub, journalists' entry using the current accreditation cards had been limited along with all other non-government passes.

The government also announced plans to review the existing press accreditation cards, it said.

Later, a press note from the Department of Information said the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting started reassessing the accreditation cards.

Welcoming the initiative, the Editors' Council said there is an opportunity for cooperation from the organisation in identifying unprofessional journalists. 

"Such tendencies were also evident during the fascist rule of the Awami League. When financial irregularities were rampant, journalists' access to regulatory institutions like Bangladesh Bank was restricted. During that time, journalists' stance on such activities was clear and unequivocal, as seen during the pre-uprising era leading to the downfall of the Sheikh Hasina government on 5 August," the statement said.

The statement added, after the interim government took office, demands arose for the reform or repeal of the Cyber Security Act.

"The new ordinance retains the same powers for the police as before, particularly outlined in Sections 35 and 36. Notably, the repealed Cyber Security Act also granted similar powers to the police, which was one of the major concerns raised by the Editors' Council regarding the misuse of police authority under the law," the statement read.

The Editors' Council said the unwarranted cancellation of journalists' accreditation cards and access to the secretariat is unjustified.

Moreover, it noted that the unilateral adoption of the ordinance without consultation with relevant stakeholders is disappointing and reflects an authoritarian mindset.

"Alongside protesting the cancellation of access, the council called for appropriate steps to address the concerns raised about the provisions in the draft Cyber Security Ordinance, 2024, based on the opinions of all relevant stakeholders," it stated.