Staff Reporter :
In a recent development, the Editors’ Council has issued a strong demand for the withdrawal of all cases filed against journalists, particularly those related to the recent student protests and various other cases under acts such as the Cyber Security Act (CSA) and the previously enacted Digital Security Act (DSA).
This call for action was made during a meeting held at the Daily Star office on Saturday, chaired by the Editor and Editors’ Council President Mahfuz Anam.
The Editors’ Council has condemned the attacks and destruction of newspaper and television office premises and reiterated its commitment to upholding journalistic principles and professionalism.
The council expressed its concerns over previous government measures that they believe sought to suppress freedom of expression, innovation, and the independence of the newspaper industry.
In its statement, the Council highlighted several legislative initiatives by the previous government aimed at restricting media freedom, including the Draft Data Protection Act 2022, the Draft Digital, Social Media, and OTT Regulation 2021, the Draft Mass Media Employees (Services Conditions) Act 2022, the National Online Mass Media Policy 2017, and the Draft Press Council (Amendment) Act 2022.
The Editors’ Council has called for the immediate cancellation of these laws, describing them as detrimental to independent journalism.
Furthermore, the Council has urged an end to efforts aimed at prohibiting government and private advertisements in newspapers and has called for increased transparency and openness in the activities of the Department of Films and Publications (DFP).
The Council also advocates for reforming the Press Council to make it a more effective institution.
The meeting was attended by prominent figures including Ittefaq Editor Tasmima Hossain, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, New Age Editor and Editors’ Council Senior Vice-President Nurul Kabir, Financial Express Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid, Sangbad Editor Altamash Kabir, Bonik Barta Editor and Editors’ Council General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Dhaka Tribune Editor and Editors’ Council Joint Secretary Zafar Sobhan, Naya Diganta Editor Alamgir Mohiuddin, Samakal Editor Alamgir Hossain, Desh Rupantor Editor Mostafa Mamun, Protidiner Bangladesh Editor Mustafiz Shafi, and Sangbad Executive Editor Shahriar Karim.