Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday told top editors of the country that he wants the media to function with full freedom, and write without any hesitation if the interim government makes any mistake.
The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam and Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said this to reporters in separate briefings at the state guest house Jamuna and Foreign Service Academy respectively.
Deputy Press Secretaries Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder and Apurba Jahangir were also present at the second briefing held at the Foreign Service Academy.
"It's very important. He (Chief Adviser) requested us to write without any hesitation," Anam said, noting that now they have truly found a media-friendly government. "We are very delighted," he added.
Quoting the Chief Adviser, his Press Secretary Alam said Prof Yunus reiterated that he believes in media freedom and the interim government wants to see a vibrant media landscape.
During the meeting with the editors, Prof Yunus expressed his firm belief in the power of free press and urged the media to be vocal and transparent in their coverage. The Chief Adviser also stressed the importance of establishing a national consensus and unity through writings.
He encouraged the editors to remain unflinching in pointing out mistakes in all aspects of government operations.
Repressive clauses of the Digital Security Act and Cyber Security Act were also discussed while the editors proposed an immediate suspension of these clauses, particularly those used to suppress journalists, with a commitment to reform them over time.
The editors collectively emphasised the need for constitutional reforms, including the empowerment of local governments.
They also brought up the reformation of autonomous bodies like the Anti-Corruption Commission, Human Rights Commission, and Election Commission to transform them into truly pro-people organisations.
They especially talked about the Election Commission so that elections in the future can be a true reflection of the voters' will.
There was a suggestion for forming a committee to explore further constitutional reforms, including judicial independence and police reform, to ensure a stronger democratic framework in the country.
Mahfuz Anam said there was discussion on making BTV, BSS and Bangladesh Betar autonomous so that journalists there can work professionally.
Shafiqul Alam said there were suggestions for removal of black laws.
Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, The New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, Daily Jugantor Editor Saiful Alam, The Business Standard Editor Enam Ahmed, and Kalbela Editor Santosh Sharma, among others, were present at the meeting.
Reasonable tenure for interim govt
Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday 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 timeline, but he is listening to all.
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.
All advisers will listen to the discussion held today between the Chief Adviser and the editors.
The need for national unity was a highlight of the discussion. Some of the editors talked about two years as a reasonable tenure for the interim government, while some said the interim government’s reform initiatives should determine the reasonable tenure.
“It should be between two and three years,” one of the editors said. Issues related to rewriting or amending the constitution was also discussed.
The chief adviser said he wants media freedom and wants to see a vibrant media landscape.
“It’s a major opportunity and this opportunity needs to be utilised properly,” Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam quoted Prof Yunus as saying. There was also a proposal to form a Media Commission in the meeting. Twenty editors joined the meeting.
