The Sampadak Parishad, also known as the Editor's Council, has demanded immediate suspension of the process to enact laws which go against independent journalism. This association of newspaper editors also demanded a repeal of the Digital Security Act (DSA).
Council President and the Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam made the demand at a meeting marking the World Press Freedom Day in the capital’s National Press Club on Tuesday. This discussion was titled “Freedom of Expression is the driving force of all human rights.”
Former information minister Hasanul Haq Inu, also president of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, spoke as a guest at the meeting.
The New Age editor and the Editors' Council's vice president, Nurul Kabir, Daily Ittefaq Editor Tasmima Hossain, Anisul Hoque, managing editor of Prothom Alo, Mozammel Hossain Monju, acting editor of Samakal, Financial Express Editor Shamsul Haque Zahid, acting editor of Desh Rupantor Mustafa Mamun and President of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul also spoke at this discussion.
The demands of the Editors' Council include – Stop further enacting all anti-free media laws. Hold talks with all stakeholders, especially representatives of journalists and media institutions, before moving forward with these draft laws.
Amend all existing laws that affect the functioning of the media and remove all anti-free media provisions in them.
Abolish Digital Security Act (DSA) or amend it in such a manner that it focuses only on clearly defined cyber-crimes and does not in any way hamper the operation of free media or freedom of expression. Suspend the operation of DSA till it is either abolished or amended.
Withdraw all cases against journalists filed under DSA, and enact laws that support and nurture the growth of free media and remove the current environment of fear and intimidation.
