United News of Bangladesh

The Editors' Council on Wednesday urged the government to withdraw false and harassing cases filed against journalists. In a statement, the council said that since August 5, 2024, many journalists have been falsely accused in murder and other cases. Some journalists are still in jail, while others are being forced to appear in court regularly. “These cases are seriously obstructing journalists’ professional work and harming the independent environment of the media,” the statement said. Editors' Council voices concerns over new clause in Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance It said that if there are specific and evidence-based allegations against any journalist, those should be dealt with under existing laws through a transparent judicial process. The Editors' Council said that in the interest of justice, proper investigation and due legal process must be ensured. “But harassment and motivated cases are not acceptable under any circumstances.” The council mentioned that it had repeatedly requested the interim government to withdraw the false and motivated cases and to take effective steps to stop the harassment of journalists. “The interim government assured us that the cases would be reviewed and that steps would be taken to withdraw false and harassing cases. But unfortunately, we have not seen the expected progress in this matter,” the statement added. Broad cancellation of press accreditation threatens free press: Editors' Council The council strongly urged the newly elected government to treat the issue as a priority and to take swift steps to withdraw the cases filed against journalists. It reiterated that ensuring media freedom and professional safety is a fundamental commitment of a democratic state and expressed hope that the government would act accordingly.

The Editors’ Council has expressed grave concern over the recently promulgated ‘Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance 2025’, saying that a new clause in the law could severely curtail freedom of expression and media’s rights in the country. The clause could significantly restrict citizens' right to free expression and limit press freedom which is a matter of serious concern, the council said in a joint statement signed by its president Mahfuz Anam and general secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud. The scope for misuse of such a clause is high and it is not expected from the interim government to introduce such sweeping restrictions, the Council said. The concern came following the issuance of a gazette by the interim government on May 12 before the Awami League was declared a banned organisation. According to the gazette, a new clause has been added to sub-section (1), clause (ঙ) of section 20(b) of the Anti-Terrorism Act 2009 (Act No. 16 of 2009). Landowners besiege Rajuk demanding cancellation of DAP The new clause prohibits the publication or printing of any press release, and any form of campaign via mass media, online platforms, social media, or any other medium as well as organising rallies, meetings, press conferences, or public speeches on behalf of or in support of a declared entity, it said. The council called for the immediate suspension and reconsideration of the clause.

As a reaction to a recent comment of the information minister, the Editors' Council Saturday said there is no scope to create fresh controversy over newspapers publishing digital content on their online platforms. The advancement of newspapers depends on the combination of print and digital content as the digital revolution around the world has posed a new challenge for the industry, it said. Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud recently said newspapers are violating the conditions of their declarations by broadcasting talk shows and videos on their online platforms. Newspapers around the world continue their efforts to retain readers and create new ones by coming up with new digital content. The government also started the registration process for online news portals under the National Online Mass Media Policy 2017 (amended in 2020) for newspapers. It already approved more than 100 online news portals, including the online versions of dailies, the Editors' Council said. The print media has to cope with the adverse situation unfolded by the Covid-19 pandemic. People are no longer satisfied with a newspaper or e-paper. They also want new audio and video content that includes interviews, features, and analysis, it added. Also read: Editors' Council calls for immediate review of DSA

The Editors' Council on Monday expressed deep shock and sorrow at the death of daily Janakantha Editor Atikullah Khan Masud. 

The Editors' Council on Saturday demanded an immediate review of the Digital Security Act (DSA) in line with the law minister's statement.