Staff Reporter :
The Editors Council of Bangladesh has raised alarm over the continued threats to press freedom in the country, despite assurances from the government following the August 5 uprising.
In a statement issued following a meeting held at the Daily Star’s headquarters on November 4, the Council emphasized the growing challenges faced by media outlets, particularly in light of recent threats against leading newspapers.
The meeting, chaired by Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, was attended by prominent editors from across the media spectrum, including Prothom Alo Editor Motiur Rahman, Manab Zamin Editor Motiur Rahman Chowdhury, New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, and others.
The Editors Council expressed deep concern over attempts to intimidate and silence independent media, which they say undermines the fundamental principles of democracy.
“While the formation of the new Bangladesh and the promises of press freedom were key objectives of the state, press freedom is still under attack by certain sections of society,” the Editors Council stated.
“This is in direct contrast to the commitments made by the interim government and various parties to protect independent journalism.”
In recent weeks, several media organizations, including Prothom Alo and Daily Star, have been targeted with threats of raids and blockades, prompting calls for increased security measures.
These threats have led multiple newsrooms to seek additional protection from law enforcement agencies.
The Editors Council stressed that it is crucial for the government and security agencies to act swiftly to ensure the safety of media offices.
The Council also underscored that, while disagreements with editorial policies and news coverage are natural in a democratic society, resorting to intimidation and threats is unacceptable.
“Any individual or group who disagrees with media coverage is welcome to express their opinions in writing, but attempts to stifle the press through threats and intimidation are a dangerous return to past practices that harm the public interest,” the statement continued.
The Editors Council condemned the actions aimed at suppressing free speech and independent journalism, warning that such measures would harm the democratic fabric of the country.
They called on the government to take decisive action against those responsible for threatening media outlets, urging enforcement of justice to deter future attempts to silence the press.
The meeting concluded with a call for all political and societal actors to respect the freedom of the press and to refrain from actions that hinder the media’s ability to operate independently.
Editors from leading newspapers such as Ajker Patarka, Financial Express, Jugantor, Ittefaq, Banik Barta, Sangbad, Dhaka Tribune, and Desh Rupantor were among those in attendance, signaling a united front among the country’s top media outlets in their defense of press freedom.
The Editors Council’s appeal serves as a stark reminder that the struggle for press freedom in Bangladesh is ongoing, and it calls on all stakeholders to ensure that the media remains free to report without fear of reprisal or harassment.
