Journalism – Bangladesh Editors’ Council Demands End to Cases Against Reporters
Journalism – The Bangladesh Editors’ Council has urged authorities to immediately withdraw what it described as false and harassing cases filed against journalists across the country. In a formal statement issued by Council President Nurul Kabir and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud, the organization expressed serious concern over the growing legal pressure faced by members of the media.
Rising Legal Pressure on Media Professionals
According to the statement, since August 5, 2024, multiple cases — including several murder charges — have been lodged against journalists in different regions of Bangladesh. The Council alleged that many of these cases lack credible grounds and have resulted in ongoing harassment.
Journalists named in the cases are reportedly required to make repeated court appearances, affecting their ability to carry out professional duties. The Editors’ Council said this pattern has disrupted newsroom operations and raised broader questions about the independence of the media sector.
The organization stressed that such developments not only impact individual reporters but also risk weakening public trust in democratic institutions that rely on a free and functioning press.
Call for Fair and Evidence-Based Legal Process
In its statement, the Council clarified that it does not oppose legal accountability where justified. It emphasized that if any journalist faces specific allegations supported by credible evidence, those matters should be addressed under existing laws through a transparent and fair judicial process.
However, it firmly opposed what it described as politically motivated or baseless cases. The Council maintained that legal instruments should not be used as tools of intimidation. Proper investigation and due process, it said, are essential to ensure justice while safeguarding professional rights.
The Editors’ Council underscored that harassment through unfounded litigation undermines the principles of rule of law and creates an atmosphere of fear within the media community.
Concerns Over Government Response
The statement further noted that the Council had previously approached the interim government, requesting a review of the cases and the withdrawal of those found to be false or motivated. According to the organization, government representatives had assured that the matter would be examined and appropriate action taken.
Despite those assurances, the Council said it has not observed meaningful progress. It expressed disappointment over the lack of visible steps to address the issue and called for renewed attention from authorities.
Appeal to the Newly Elected Government
In a direct appeal to the newly elected government, the Editors’ Council urged immediate and decisive action. It called on the administration to prioritize the review and withdrawal of cases that lack merit and to ensure that journalists are able to work without fear of harassment.
The organization reiterated that safeguarding media freedom and ensuring professional security are fundamental responsibilities of a democratic state. It emphasized that a free press plays a vital role in transparency, accountability, and informed public discourse.
The statement concluded by reaffirming the Council’s expectation that the government will uphold constitutional commitments to press freedom and take practical steps to prevent further misuse of legal mechanisms against journalists.
As concerns over press freedom continue to surface, the developments surrounding these cases are likely to remain under close observation by media professionals and civil society groups across the country.