EU mission inquires about journalists’ safety

Staff Reporter  :
During a meeting with the Election Observation Mission of the European Union (EU), editors of prominent newspapers engaged in a discussion about press freedom and the contentious Digital Security Act (DSA).

The EU delegation raised questions regarding the safety and freedom of journalists to carry out their professional duties without fear, while the editors shared their apprehensions about the DSA.
During the hour-long meeting held at the EU’s Gulshan office on Monday, the EU delegation initially inquired about press freedom in Bangladesh.

Daily Observer Editor Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury explained, “We told them about our recommendations on the DSA that we sent to the government and that we stand united when it comes to press freedom or concerns related to the DSA.”
He further expressed his hope for the government to incorporate their recommendations into the DSA reforms, which the Law Minister has pledged to undertake by September.

While talking to the journalists, he also said that he had told the delegation about the media role which has a vital importance to play in ensuring a fair election.
On the other hand, New Age Editor Nurul Kabir urged the EU team to submit a report that would be satisfactory to the people of Bangladesh.
“We appreciate the EU’s efforts in coming to Bangladesh to ensure a fair election. However, it is disheartening that we need external intervention to guarantee fairness. This is a fight that we must undertake ourselves,” he said.

The editors stressed their commitment to maintaining professional duties and fostering press freedom in the country.
They conveyed their concerns over the DSA, which has been criticised for its stringent provisions and potential impact on freedom of expression.
The EU’s Election Observation Mission aims to assess the electoral process and provide recommendations to support democratic practices in Bangladesh.
The concerns raised by the editors underline the importance of ensuring a conducive environment for journalism and freedom of the press in the country.

Later, the EU delegation also met a small team of the senior reporters to get their opinions about professional challenges the media might face while covering the next general election in Bangladesh.
The reporters shared their experiences in covering elections in the past and challenges that journalists in remote areas might face.
The reporters encouraged the delegation to support sending observers regardless of what the next election may look like.