journalists
Committee formed to reevaluate Press Accreditation Policy 2022
A 17-member committee has been formed over reevaluation of press accreditation policy 2022.The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued a notification regarding the formation of the committee on Thursday.
HC questions validity of canceling Channel I journalist’s press accreditationThe committee will be chaired by Md Sarwar Alam, press secretary to the President, with Mohammad Kamruzzaman Bhuiyan, deputy chief information officer of the Department of Information, serving as the member secretary, and Md Ataur Rahman Khan NDC, additional secretary of the Public Security Division, as convener.
Broad cancellation of press accreditation threatens free press: Editors' CouncilThe committee will reevaluate the Press Accreditation Policy-2022, propose necessary additions, amendments, and refinements, and submit its report to the Secretary of the Ministry, the notification added.
Press accreditation cards of 30 more journalists scrappedThe other members of the committee are:-Md. Kausar Ahmed, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting-Md. Nizamul Kabir, Chief Information Officer, Department of Information-Khaleda Begum, Director General, Department of Films and Publications-Abul Kalam Azad Mazumder, Deputy Press Secretary, Office of the Chief Adviser-Fayez Ahmed, Senior Assistant Press Secretary, Office of the Chief Adviser-Md. Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, Acting President, BFUJ-Md. Shahidul Islam, President, DUJ-Abu Saleh Akon, President, Dhaka Reporters' Unity-Daulat Akhtar Mala, President, Economic Reporters' Forum-Elias Hossain, Trustee, Broadcast Journalists Centre
-Shikdar Abir Mahmud (Sam) Jahan, Founding Convener, Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJAIM)-Md. Mustafizur Rahman, Member, DCAB and BSRF-Saleem Samad, Bangladesh Correspondent, Reporters Without Borders (RSF)-Indrajit Kumar Ghosh, President, Bangladesh Photojournalist Association
The committe will submit the report to the Information and Broadcasting secretary by February 10.
3 weeks ago
BSRF secures temporary secretariat access for journalists
Journalists reporting from the Bangladesh Secretariat, including members of the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF), will be allowed entry with temporary passes starting Monday, officials said on Sunday.
The decision followed a meeting between BSRF leaders and Home Affairs Adviser Lieutenant General Md Jahangir Alam Chowdhury at the Secretariat.
Masudul Hoque, General Secretary of the BSRF, said that the forum had requested a resolution to the restrictions that had limited access for journalists covering the Secretariat beat.
Journalists to be allowed to enter secretariat with temporary passes from Monday
"In response to our appeal, the Adviser assured that journalists working in the Secretariat beat, including BSRF members, will be allowed entry with temporary passes for the next 15 days," he said.
The Adviser also revealed plans to issue new press accreditation cards for journalists, which will be managed by the Directorate of Information under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The government aims to digitise these accreditation cards to streamline access and improve security.
Masudul Hoque said that a list of BSRF members has already been submitted to the Home Ministry.
This development is expected to ease concerns among journalists covering the Secretariat, enabling them to continue their professional duties unhindered.
1 month ago
Israeli strike kills 5 Palestinian journalists in Gaza
An Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital in the Gaza Strip overnight, the Health Ministry said early Thursday. The Israeli military said it had targeted a group of militants.
The strike hit a car outside the Al-Awda Hospital in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in the central part of the territory. The journalists were working for the local Quds News Network, which also reported the strike.
The military said it targeted a group of fighters from Islamic Jihad, a militant group allied with Hamas, whose Oct. 7, 2023 attack into southern Israel ignited the war.
The Committee to Protect Journalists says over 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed since the start of the war. Israel has not allowed foreign reporters to enter Gaza except on military embeds.
The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed across the border in a surprise attack on nearby army bases and farming communities. They killed some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and abducted around 250. Some 100 hostages are still inside Gaza, at least a third of whom are believed to be dead.
Read: Ex-Israeli spy agents describe attack using exploding electronic devices against Hezbollah
Israel's air and ground offensive has killed over 45,000 Palestinians, according to the Health Ministry. It says more than half the fatalities have been women and children but does not say how many of the dead were fighters.
The offensive has caused widespread destruction and driven around 90% of the population of 2.3 million from their. homes. Hundreds of thousands are packed into squalid tent camps along the coast, with little protection from the cold, wet winter.
1 month ago
Five journalists killed in Bangladesh in 2024: RSF
The Reporters Without Borders (RSF) 2024 Round-up has highlighted a grim picture of press freedom worldwide, with 54 journalists including five in Bangladesh killed in 2024.
It says journalists increasingly pay the ultimate price in conflict zones and under repressive regimes.
Due to the large number of journalists killed in Pakistan (7) and the protests that rocked Bangladesh (5), Asia remained the region with the second-highest number of killed media workers, according to RSF.
Among 54 journalists 31 lost their lives in conflict zones, marking the highest fatality rate in five years.
The Gaza Strip has been singled out as the deadliest region for journalists, accounting for nearly 30% of fatalities, where 35 journalists were reportedly killed by the Israeli army in connection to their work.
Press Freedom Under Siege
The report highlights the broader issue of media suppression, as 550 journalists are currently imprisoned worldwide — a 7% rise from last year. Israel has become the third-largest jailer of journalists, with a sharp increase in detentions since October 2023.
The report also sheds light on enforced disappearances, with nearly 100 journalists missing across 34 countries. Alarmingly, 45% of these cases are attributed to enforced disappearances, often under authoritarian regimes or amidst government negligence.
Bangladesh’s Situation
Protests triggered by the reinstatement of a controversial quota system for public jobs were violently repressed by the police: five journalists lost their lives and many others were injured.
Mehedi Hasan, a journalist for the Dhaka Times, was killed on July 18 while covering clashes between protestors and security forces.
RSF Urges Action
RSF Director General Thibaut Bruttin emphasised the urgent need to combat impunity and protect press freedom. “Journalists do not die, they are killed; they do not disappear, they are kidnapped. Protecting those who inform us is protecting the truth,” Bruttin said.
The RSF has reiterated its call for global governments to ratify the 2006 International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, underscoring the urgent need for international solidarity in safeguarding journalists and preserving press freedom.
This year’s findings highlight the human cost of bringing truth to light, reinforcing the need for collective action to protect those who risk their lives to keep the world informed.
Repeal repressive laws, dismiss baseless cases against journos: RSF
“Journalists do not die, they are killed; they are not in prison, regimes lock them up; they do not disappear, they are kidnapped. These crimes — often orchestrated by governments and armed groups with total impunity — violate international law and too often go unpunished. We need to get things moving, to remind ourselves as citizens that journalists are dying for us, to keep us informed,” said Thibaut Bruttin.
“We must continue to count, name, condemn, investigate, and ensure that justice is served. Fatalism should never win. Protecting those who inform us is protecting the truth,” Bruttin added.
2 months ago
“End impunity for crimes against journalists, protect media workers”: UN Rights Chief
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has said that the governments must do more to prevent attacks, to protect journalists, and to prosecute those responsible, adding that states also need laws to protect freedom of expression and information.
Speaking on the occasion of International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists (November 2), Türk said, “We live in troubled times—and effective journalism is more important than ever. A free press feeds a free society and fuels democratic decision-making.”
“It also makes sure that we understand the human impact of violence and conflict so that this horrible tendency of dehumanization is stopped,” he added.
“On this International Day, I urge all those with influence to step up action to end impunity for crimes against journalists, to protect media workers, and to contribute to building open, just societies where the truth can flourish,” said the UN right chief.
3 months ago
Press accreditation of 20 senior journos scrapped
The government has scrapped the permanent and temporary press accreditation cards of 20 senior journalists including Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Farzana Rupa, and Farida Yasmin.
A gazette notification, signed by Md Nizamul Kabir, chief information officer of the Press Information Department under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting was issued in this regard.
Directorate of Information cancels press accreditation card of fake journalist
The gazette reads the accreditation was cancelled under sections 6.9, 6.10, 9.5 and 9.6 of the Press Accreditation Principle-2022.
Those accreditation scrapped included former Director General of Press Institute of Bangladesh Jafar Wazed, former press minister Shaban Mahmud, Ekattor Television’s former Chief of editors Mozzamel Haque, Bhorer Kagoj editor Shyamal Dutta, Bangladesh Pratidin editor Naem Nizam, ABCnews24.com chief editor Subhash Chandra Singha Roy, Munni Saha and Amadershomoy.com editor Naimul Islam Khan, among others.
3 months ago
Journalists involved in killing students to face trial in ICT: Law Advisor
Journalists found guilty of involvement in the killings during the anti-discrimination student movement will face trial in the International Crimes Tribunal, according to Dr. Asif Nazrul, the Interim Government’s adviser on law, justice and parliamentary affairs
Speaking to reporters after inspecting renovation work at the tribunal's main building on Tuesday, Adviser said, “After following the proper legal procedures and conducting thorough analysis, the prosecution team will take steps to bring the journalists involved as accused in the tribunal. I can assure you that guilty journalists will also face justice, but it will be fair.”
Asif Nazrul explains rationale for amending CSA instead of repealing
He added, "We are determined to prosecute those responsible for the killings and mass atrocities surrounding the anti-discrimination student movement. The renovation work at the International Crimes Tribunal is progressing rapidly, and we expect to resume proceedings in the main building from November 1."
Md. Tajul Islam, Chief Prosecutor of the tribunal, mentioned that a reception for the judges will be held in the tribunal’s courtroom on Wednesday. Following that, on Thursday, a bench of three judges, led by Tribunal Chairman Justice Md. Golam Mortuza Mazumder, will begin proceedings in the courtroom.
3 months ago
Journalists directly linked with fascists and supporters of genocide to be tried: Nahid Islam
Journalists directly linked to the deposed 'fascist' government and those who incited and supported the recent genocide will be brought to justice, said Nahid Islam, adviser on Posts, Telecommunications, and Information Technology, on Sunday.
He emphasized that if any cases are filed unfairly against individuals, a committee has been established within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting to investigate such claims.
He made these statements while distributing donation checks to those injured during recent protests at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Nahid Islam noted, "Financial assistance is being provided to those injured and to the families of those who lost their lives during the mass uprising through the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation."
When asked about medical treatment for the injured abroad, he assured, "Necessary measures will be taken based on the recommendations of the relevant doctors."
Mahmudur Rahman urges interim govt to keep spirit of July revolution alive
Regarding the cases against journalists, he stated, "Those affiliated with the fascist government who instigated and supported genocide will face justice." He added, "If any journalist or their family feels they are being wronged by legal actions, we encourage them to reach out to us for support."
Discussing the legal proceedings for the injured and deceased, he mentioned, "A legal team is currently working on this, and we will ensure these cases are resolved in the Special Tribunal. The individuals who were martyred and injured during the uprising are the heroes of our nation, and we honor the sacrifices made by leaders and activists from various parties."
He urged, "Let us not divide the martyrs and the injured based on party lines or political banners. We should refrain from exploiting their sacrifices for political gain."
Nahid Islam also confirmed that expenses for those who received treatment at different locations before arriving in Dhaka Medical would be covered as well.
July Shaheed Smrity Foundation supports victim's father in returning to South Africa
Mir Mahbubur Rahman Snigdho, secretary of the foundation, presented an account of donations to the injured from the July Foundation before journalists.
He announced that a total of 122 individuals have received a total of Tk 1,22,64, 400, amounting to Tk 1 lakh each. Among these, 23 out of the 30 individuals currently receiving treatment at Dhaka Medical College were issued checks for Tk1 lakh each. The remaining 7 individuals received their payments via BKash.
Additionally, funds have been provided through BKash for 33 individuals being treated at the National Institute of Ophthalmology and 59 individuals at the National Orthopedic Hospital and Rehabilitation Institute (Pangu Hospital).
In total, the July Shaheed Smriti Foundation has donated Tk 1,71, 42, 050 to 176 injured individuals so far.
3 months ago
Cops, journalists among 10 injured during BNP-police clash in Sunamganj
At least 10 people including policemen and journalists were injured in a clash between BNP activists and law enforcers during picketing amid the 48-hour hartal being observed by the party and like-minded opposition parties.
Locals said that BNP activists brought out a procession in favour of the hartal in Puratan Bus Stand area around 11 am and vandalised some vehicles, causing panic on the streets.
Also read: 11 arson attacks reported in 15 hours: Fire Service
A clash broke out when police barred the BNP men from marching forward, they said.
At one stage of the altercation, the picketers hurled brickbats targeting the law enforcers who retaliated with tear gas shells, they said.
Rajan Kumar Das, additional superintendent of district police, said they used tear shells and opened blank fire to control the situation.
Also read: Jamaat’s registration to remain cancelled: SC dismisses party’s appeal
Ten people, including three policemen, were injured in the clash, he said, adding that the situation is now under their control.
Local BNP leaders could not be reached over the phone for comments in this connection.
Also read: RAB arrests 4, including Sramik Dal leader, from Dhaka's Jatrabari in sabotage case
1 year ago
Expose real character of BNP to the world: PM to journalists
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday (November 02, 2023) urged the country’s journalists to expose the real face of the BNP before the international community as the opposition party’s activists swooped on the media persons who were covering their October 28 rally.
“You, journalists, should expose internationally the real character of those who attacked you while performing duty,” she said.
The premier was addressing the Delegates Conference-2023 of BFUJ-Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists at the National Press Club in the city.
Noting that the anti-liberation forces have no right here in Bangladesh, she said, “Those who believe in terrorism and militancy have no right here. They don’t want the welfare of the people of this country and they are foes of the people.”
The PM said the attackers of journalists and police must pay as some 30 journalists were injured in the attacks carried out by BNP men on October 28 last.
Read more: Day 3 of blockade: 4 vehicles burnt in Dhaka, Narayanganj so far
She said the BNP men carried out attacks even in disguise on that day, believing that they could remain unidentified and escape punishment. But they’ve finally been caught, she said.
“They carried such misdeeds. Those who kill and attack journalists and police must face punishment,” she said.
Hasina strongly condemned the way BNP attacked journalists and police. “Committing terrorist acts is their character,” she said.
She also blasted different international organisations of journalists, including Reporters Without Borders for keeping silent over this attack.
“Where are they now? We don’t see them and don’t hear any words from them. Where have they disappeared suddenly?” she said.
The PM said some 30 journalists were injured and some have been receiving treatment in hospitals. “But we don’t hear anything from any of them,” she said.
She compared the BNP’s attack on the police hospital here to the bombing on a Palestine hospital by Israel.
They (BNP) carried out the attack on a hospital here the same way the Israel bombed a Palestine hospital and killed women and children.
“I don’t know if they are taking lessons from the Jews,” said the prime minister.
Talking about the 9th wage board for journalists, PM Hasina said it is the responsibility of the owners to implement it. It is very unfortunate that they filed a case instead of implementing it.
She said the preparation continues to form the 10th wage board and the government has a plan to bring electronic media journalists under the wage board.
She put emphasis on bringing the journalists who are working outside Dhaka under the coverage of the wage board.
The premier announced to provide another amount of Tk 10 crore as donation to the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust. The fund was formed with the seed money provided by the prime minister.
She assured the journalists working outside Dhaka of giving plots to them under district-based housing projects.
Noting that there is a huge number of newspapers in Bangladesh, she said the number of newspapers is not so high even in many developed and rich countries. There are 3,241 newspapers in the country, she said.
Turning to the development of Bangladesh, she said today’s Bangladesh has gained the status of a developing country thanks to the continuation of the democracy and the government from 2009-2023.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud spoke as the special guest at the function chaired by BFUJ President Omar Faruque.
BFUJ Secretary General Dip Azad conducted the event, while President of Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) Sohel Haider Chowdhury and leaders of different units of BFUJ spoke on the occasion.
In the function, former BFUJ leaders were honoured with crests.
Read more: EC letter inviting BNP’s jailed leader for talks on polls returns undelivered: Sources
1 year ago