Staff Reporter :
The United States Department of State has issued a firm statement reaffirming its unwavering commitment to a free and independent press.
Highlighting the vital role journalists play in safeguarding democratic institutions and fostering transparency, the Department strongly condemned any attempts to harass or intimidate them.
This statement came in response to a journalist’s inquiry regarding a recent, threatening message issued by the Bangladesh Police Service Association towards media outlets reporting on police corruption.
The journalist further emphasised the pervasiveness of corruption reaching beyond the police, often involving high-ranking officials, yet ignored by a seemingly controlled media landscape.
“A concerning sentiment was echoed by a leading newspaper editor’s ent of their inability to publish known corruption stories. This troubling reality is underscored by Bangladesh’s ranking of 165th out of 180 on the World Press Freedom Index,” added the journalist.
The journalist then inquired about potential actions the United States might take to address these threats to press freedom and combat corruption within Bangladesh.
In response to it, Matthew Miller said, “We strongly support the role of a free and independent media in maintaining effective democratic institutions and promoting government transparency.”
He further said, “We object to any efforts to harass or intimidate journalists to prevent them from conducting their important work.”
Recently, the Police Association issued a letter stating that the mass media reports about the corruption of some police officials are tarnishing the image of the police force, which has made a made a myriad of contributions at different times, as they said.
Following such a report, the journalism community and its organisations, corruption watchdog TIB, and political parties condemned the police statement.
This time, the US State Department also expressed its opinions regarding the media role and urged all to refrain from the intimidation of journalists and allow them to carry out their jobs.
In response to another question regarding India and Bangladesh’s renewed commitment to a free, inclusive Indo-Pacific region,.
The joint statement issued after the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina during her state visit to India reaffirms both countries’ commitment to a free, open, inclusive, secure, and rules-based Indo-Pacific region, recognising their partnership’s contribution to regional peace, security, and stability. Does this commitment mirror U.S. interest in promoting a similar vision for the Indo-Pacific region?
Replying to this question, Matthew Miller said that the US supports peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
“I don’t want to speak to that specific commitment because I haven’t read the statement or engaged with my colleagues here. But obviously, we do support peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. That has been a hallmark of our engagement in that region,” he said.
During the recent meeting between Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi in Delhi, the Indian Premier welcomed Bangladesh’s decision to join the Indo-Pacific Ocean Initiative.
Modi said, “We had detailed discussions from defence production to the modernization of the armed forces. We have decided to strengthen our cooperation over counter-terrorism, fundamentalism, and peaceful management of the border. Our vision for the Indian Ocean region is the same. We welcome Bangladesh’s decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative. We will continue our cooperation at BIMSTEC and other regional and international forums.”