November 3, 2024, 10:18 am

Editors’ Council urges government to repeal laws that oppress media

Staff Reporter
Published: Tuesday, September 3, 2024

The Editors’ Council has offered many ideas to the interim administration, including the immediate repeal of legislation that allow journalists to be persecuted, with the goal of future revisions.

The recommendations were delivered during a meeting with the interim government’s Chief Adviser, Dr Muhammad Yunus, in the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday afternoon.

Mahfuz Anam, head of the Editors’ Council and editor of The Daily Star, discussed the discussion with media outside the guest home.

He said the council seeks to establish national unity and proposed reforms in various areas, including the constitution. He also called for an end to the filing of murder cases against journalists.

During the meeting, Dr Yunus expressed his firm belief in the power of press freedom, calling on the media to maintain transparency in its coverage, particularly in critiquing the government.

The chief adviser emphasized the necessity of establishing a national consensus through their work, urging them to embrace diverse perspectives and boldly highlight government shortcomings.

He said the media’s role is crucial in helping the government rectify its errors and ensure that governance reflects the people’s aspirations.

A significant concern raised during the meeting was the repressive clauses in the Cyber Security Act. The editors urged the immediate suspension of these provisions, particularly those stifling journalists, with a view to reforming them in the future.

Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, The New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, Jugantor Editor Saiful Alam, The Business Standard Editor Inam Ahmed, and Kalbela Editor Santosh Sharma were among those who attended the conference.


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