‘Broad cancellations of press accreditation threaten free press’

NN Online:

The Editors’ Council has criticised the recent cancellation of press accreditation cards by the Press Information Department (PID), calling it a “direct threat” to press freedom and an impediment to fostering a democratic environment in the country.

The PID has revoked the accreditation of 167 journalists in three separate phases. The list of those affected includes many active and professional journalists, as well as prominent editors, leaving the journalist community alarmed, according to a statement issued on Tuesday on behalf of the Editors’ Council President Mahfuz Anam and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud.

The Editors’ Council has pointed out that while the Ministry of Information holds the right to review accreditation in cases of misuse, the broad and sweeping cancellation of press credentials without specific allegations or evidence of wrongdoing is unjustified.

They argued that this action undermines the fundamental principles of free press and threatens to erode the democratic fabric of the nation.

The Editors’ Council warned that such actions may pave the way for increased censorship and a more controlled media environment, a scenario that contradicts the core values championed during the July-August uprising. They characterised the move as a troubling recurrence of undemocratic practices reminiscent of previous overly controlling regimes.

The Editors’ Council urged the Ministry of Information to refrain from such blanket measures. It also demanded stronger steps to ensure independent and democratic journalism in the country.