“The true picture of the ongoing trial can be published. If any doubt arises over any issue, report on this must be published after consulting bench officers concerned, High Court registrar and the Appellate Division,” said a press release.
It said courtroom conversations between judges and lawyers are absolute property of the court and those cannot be published in newspapers.
All the media houses have been urged to follow section 16 the Code of Conduct for Journalists, 1993 (Amended in 2002) which stipulates: “It is the responsibility of the newspapers to publish news relating to cases under trial and to publish the final judgment of the court to reveal the actual picture of issues relating to the trial. However, journalists shall refrain from publishing such comment or opinion which is likely to influence the decision of the judge, until the final verdict is announced.”
Bangladesh Press Council issued the press release following an order by the High Court bench of Justice Obaidul Hasan and Justice Mohammad Ali.