UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis on Wednesday said journalism is a public good that must be protected.
“By supporting freedom of the press, we provide ourselves with a powerful development tool. In celebrating World Press Freedom Day, I thank all journalists in the country who continue to inform people by bringing the truth to light,” she said.
Law Minister Anisul Huq and UN Resident Coordinator discussed media freedom at an event jointly organised by UNESCO, Transparency International Bangladesh and ARTICLE 19 South Asia.
2023 marks the 30th anniversary of World Press Freedom Day. On this day all United Nations member states mark the importance of media freedom and honor journalists who foster dialogue and accountability, empowering people with information.
During the roundtable discussion, the Minister of Law spoke about Bangladesh’s vision for media freedom and answered a series of questions on the country’s Digital Security Act (DSA).
To mark the anniversary, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) and Transparency International in Bangladesh organised a roundtable titled "Shaping a Future of Rights” to discuss issues journalism is facing in the country and in the world.
Chairman of National Human Rights Commission Dr Kamal Uddin Ahmed, and Ambassador of Sweden in Bangladesh Alexandra Berg von Linde, Professor Dr. Gitiara Nasreen, Executive Editor of Dhaka Tribune Reaz Ahmad and Barrister Joytirmoy Barua took part in the event held with the support of Transparency International Bangladesh and human rights organisation Article 19.
UNESCO Dhaka office representative Dr Susan Vize said hosting this event was important for UNESCOs work in Bangladesh.
“UNESCO works to promote freedom of expression, a key component of which is press freedom and safety. Today's panel highlights the critical role of press freedom in the achievement of sustainable development and fulfillment of human rights."
The discussion was moderated by Iftekharuzzaman, the Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).