Editors’ Council calls for amending laws hindering press freedom

The Shampadak Parishad (Editors' Council) today (4 May) called for the government to take immediate action to amend laws that hinder free journalism, and underscored the importance of a free and independent press in a democratic society.

During a discussion at the National Press Club marking World Press Freedom Day, the council expressed concern that individuals were still being subjected to the Digital Security Act (DSA) even after its repeal. They urged the government to take appropriate measures to address the situation. 

"The DSA has been repealed. However, the victims of DSA cases are still in jail. An act was considered unnecessary and revoked. But those who suffered under that law are going to jail, it is not consistent," said President and The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam.

"Apart from this, even though the DSA has been revoked, there are 9 more laws left, which directly and indirectly have a negative impact on free journalism," he added.

Newspapers Owners' Association of Bangladesh (Noab) President AK Azad criticised the restriction on journalists entering Bangladesh Bank.

He highlighted violence against journalists, citing several murders, and questioned if journalism is a crime, referring to those facing charges under the repealed DSA.

"Corruption is increasing in the country. There is no coordination between one ministry and another. So there is no accountability either. Journalists are being harassed for reporting on these," he said.

In his address as the chief guest of the programme, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat acknowledged the problem of misinformation and pledged to ensure press freedom and support for environmental journalists.

"It is necessary to bring discipline among the media across the country. You [journalists] also say that journalists need minimum qualifications. Since the demands of everyone at all levels, including journalists, are the same, we will work from the government's side to agree with these demands and work there," Arafat also said.

The event was held under the theme, "A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis." 

'Bangladesh Bank must be transparent'

Arafat at the discussion also underscored the importance of transparency in the Bangladesh Bank. "The public has the right to information and we are working to ensure the central bank operates at international standards for accessibility," he said.

Arafat highlighted the government's commitment to a free press and combating disinformation. He announced plans for training programmes on using the Right to Information Act and changing the mindset of government officials regarding information access.

"We firmly believe, as long as the media enjoys freedom and free flow of correct information is available, disinformation will get eliminated from society. But we denounce the agenda-based systematic disinformation campaign in the name of criticism," Arafat added.

The Daily Bonik Barta Editor and Shampadak Parishad General Secretary Deowan Hanif Mahmud conducted the discussion meeting in which Bhorer Kagoj Editor and National Press Club General Secretary Shyamal Dutta, Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association Executive Director Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Dhaka Tribune Editor Zafar Sobhan and Desh Rupantor Acting Editor Mustafa Mamun among others gave speeches. 

Govt to create fact-checking authority

Arafat at another event yesterday said that the government will create a fact-checking authority.

"We do not have any government fact-checking body. There is one under TIB, but it is not active or modern. In this situation, a fact-checking body or authority will be created," he said during a discussion titled "The Context of Climate Politics and the Role of the Media" at the National Press Club.

The state minister further said, "Fact-checking is not just about the content of print or electronic media. Its relevance is also high in social media. We will create a fact-checking authority and establish a connection with the Press Council. The decision will be taken after discussing this idea with the stakeholders. So that the acceptability of this fact-checking body is respected."

Regarding the media index, he said that there are some methodological weaknesses in the methodology on which this ranking is done, so this index is not accurate. If these weaknesses are not removed, the reality will not be reflected through this index.

The minister also said that if reporters are harassed by influential people, the ministry will stand by them because reporting on the environment is positive for the government's development work. Environmental journalists play a helpful role in the development of the government.

Professor Riakat Ali read the main essay on environment and journalism at the programme. National Press Club President Farida Yasmin, General Secretary Shyamal Dutta, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists President Omar Faruque and others also spoke at the event.