Editors’ Council urges govt to repeal laws that repress journalists

The Editors' Council has urged the interim government to remove any sections of the existing laws which repress journalists.

They made the demand during a meeting with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the State Guest House Jamuna today (3 September).

During the meeting, Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus said he wants media freedom and a vibrant media landscape. He also urged journalists to be vocal and transparent, especially when it comes to critiquing the government.

"It is a major opportunity and this opportunity needs to be utilised properly," Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam quoted Prof Yunus as saying.

Muhammad Yunus wanted to hear from top editors of the country regarding a "reasonable" tenure for the interim government, as discussed with political parties earlier. The chief adviser did not mention any specific timeframe.

Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, The New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, Daily Jugantor Editor Saiful Alam, The Business Standard Editor Inam Ahmed, and Kalbela Editor Santosh Sharma, among others, were present at the meeting.

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam, Deputy Press Secretaries Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Apurba Jahangir briefed reporters after the meeting at the Foreign Service Academy.

The need for national unity was a highlight of the discussion, they said.

Some of the editors talked about two to three years as a reasonable tenure for the interim government. Most editors, however, said the tenure of the interim government should be determined by the time needed to carry out vital reforms.

"It should be between two and three years," one of the editors said.

Issues related to rewriting or amending the constitution were also discussed. There was also a proposal to form a Media Commission in the meeting.