Ever since the interim government took over, cases have been filed against journalists across the country, including in Dhaka. Such a trend is a violation of this government's promises, as it is committed to ensuring freedom of speech and independent journalism.
The Bangladesh Parliament Journalist Association (BPJA) voiced these concerns at a meeting on Wednesday, adding that the number of murder and other cases filed without specific charges against media workers is on the rise, read a press release.
At the event, presided over by BPJA President Harun Al Rashid and held in the city’s Banani area, speakers pointed out that such cases encourage the misuse of existing laws.
Legal action can be taken against journalists following appropriate procedures based on specific allegations if they commit or are involved in any crime.
Journalism without ethics must be rejected. If a journalist supports the oppressive activities of the previous government in the name of journalism, a committee can be formed in the Press Council to investigate him/her.
If found guilty, he/she could be sentenced under the Press Council Act. Other offenses against journalists may also be tried under the existing laws, following recommendations of the Press Council, according to the release.
During the previous regime, efforts were made to stifle the voice of journalists by implementing various restrictive laws, including the Digital Security Act and Cyber Security Act, which was highly condemned and criticised across the globe.
The BPJA believes that the trend of continuously filing murder cases against journalists is damaging the image of Bangladesh in the international arena.
Under such circumstances, if the accused journalists are not found to be involved in any wrongdoing under the cases filed, the BPJA calls for their immediate acquittal.
BPJA Vice President Moshiur Rahman Khan, Finance Editor Sharif Khiam Ahmed, Office Secretary Jasmine Molly, Executive Committee members Ajmal Haque Helal, Emran Hossain Sheikh, Shamsuddin Ahmed, Md Saifullah, and Mizanur Rahman were also present there.
