Mass cases against journos obstacle to press freedom: Editors’ Council
Thirteen journalists are currently in jail—if they are guilty, they should face trial, but denying them bail raises serious concerns about due process, Mahfuz Anam says
Highlights:
- 266 journalists implicated in cases after 5 Aug, Mahfuz Anam questions credibility
- 13 journalists jailed without bail; due process in doubt
- The Daily Star editor urges government to act against legal harassment of media
- Targeting journalists undermines reforms and global image
- Repressive laws and inaction erode press freedom, says New Age Editor Nurul Kabir
Condemning mass cases being filed against journalists and this practice is an obstacle to press freedom, Editors' Council president Mahfuz Anam has said.
"I urge the government to support journalists. We are ready to stand with the government when it comes to holding guilty journalists accountable. However, the practice of filing mass cases against journalists threatens press freedom and creates an atmosphere of fear," he said at a discussion organised by the Council on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day at National Press Club today (4 May).
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Expressing concern over the cases, Mahfuz Anam said, "There are currently 266 journalists facing charges related to murder or violent crimes. How is that even possible? This raises serious questions and brings us collective shame. If someone is genuinely guilty, the case should be properly investigated, and justice should be served. We will not defend anyone proven to be a criminal or an opponent of the spirit of the August movement.
"But it's been six to seven months, and there has been no visible progress in the investigations."
He said, "While we appreciate that the government has not made arrests in all these cases, many of these journalists are living in constant fear – especially of mob attacks. Thirteen journalists are already in jail. If they are criminals, let them face trial. But they're not even getting bail. Will this go on indefinitely?"
While we appreciate that the government has not made arrests in all these cases, many of these journalists are living in constant fear—especially of mob attacks
Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star
He further said, "The government is committed to bring change, reform, strengthen democracy, and upholding freedom of expression. But journalists are being targeted with lawsuits, including fabricated murder charges. This is obvious – why can't the government see it?"
"This ongoing legal harassment is a threat to press freedom and is damaging Bangladesh's global image."
Reform promises falling short: Nurul Kabi
Noting that the interim government has political justification to remain in power, New Age editor and Editors' Council Vice-President Nurul Kabir said there is growing disappointment over several issues.
Speaking on the legitimacy of the current administration, Kabir said, "I refer to political justification because this government came to power with the active support of those who stood against autocratic rule."
Without a free press, no society or state can undergo true democratic transformation
New Age Editor Nurul Kabir
He added, "At its inception, the government positioned itself as reform-oriented. People across the country hoped for democratic transformation. However, on several fronts, that hope has given way to disappointment."
Kabir also pointed out a lack of transparency regarding the government's review of international agreements, which it had previously promised to undertake. "We still don't know what process is being followed."
Kabir asserted that media freedom is under threat due to repressive laws and state actions.
"The state and its administration have passed laws and enacted regulations that restrict press freedom. Politicians must take responsibility for this. Over the past 16 years, journalists have faced continued repression due to these notorious laws," he said.
'Observing Press Freedom Day in a country where journalists lose jobs for asking questions': Matiur Rahman Chowdhury
Speaking at the discussion, Daily Manabzamin Editor-in-Chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said, "We are celebrating Press Freedom Day in a country where journalists lose their jobs simply for asking questions."
"I'm not sure whether to blame the government or someone else for this situation," he added.
He emphasised that democracy cannot function without free press, saying, "We must have the freedom to speak, write, and question. Only then will true press freedom exist."
BNP pledges support for media freedom
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir at the event said, "We can assure you [journalists], and we can say clearly without hesitation and with strong confidence, that we have always been and will continue to be in favour of freedom of the press in the future, whether we are in government or not, wherever we are."
Fakhrul said his party has long been fighting against the oppression inflicted on journalists and the laws and regulations related to media that have been given a fascist character.
"We would like to say in very clear and strong terms that we will never support unjustly imposing anyone's views on others. We will strongly support the freedom of expression of others," he said.
Fakhrul added that BNP worked significantly towards ensuring press freedom in Bangladesh, as there were fewer incidents of repression on journalists during BNP's rule. "I don't want to say we're free from shortcomings."
NCP calls for swift reforms
Convener of National Citizen Party (NCP) Nahid Islam said the statements of their party and its leaders are being presented in different ways by some media outlets
"We hope that the relations between the political parties and the mass media will be more positive in the future," he said.
Nahid called upon the government to implement the recommendations made by the Reform Commission as early as possible. "A positive change will be visible in the media landscape if these recommendations are implemented."
