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Editorial

Protect newsmen

Be more tolerant to free expression


Bangladeshpost
Published : 01 Jul 2020 09:39 PM | Updated : 06 Sep 2020 10:34 AM

Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) in a statement expressed deep concerns over the deteriorating environment for free and independent journalism and increasing instances of police action against media professionals.

Reportedly, in the last few months, some 40 journalists have been charged under the Digital Security Act (DSA), out of whom 37 have been arrested. Also Bangladesh has catalogued cases involving abuses and episodes of violence against journalists in the recent times.

We may not have a high number of killings of journalists, but in terms of threat and physical assault, no doubt we remain in a state of concern. And this time, attack on journalists and the media is occurring when Bangladesh needs reliable and authentic news source most to fight against the pandemic.  


A safe and enabling environment for 

journalists should be created to allow 

them to work  independently and 

without fear or unjustified interference


Journalists are those who keep the truth alive even in the face of danger. But in order to expose the truth and sift fact from the fiction, journalists face many difficulties in the form of threats and manipulation by various unscrupulous wings of power. 

Over the last years, the ground and impact of journalism, with the innovation and intervention of technology, has expanded at a rapid pace. 

Consequently manipulation over the journalists is pushing them towards suppression, sometimes ideologically, sometimes morally. And those newsmen who try to be vocal about the truth are often seen being harassed. 

Thus journalism is increasingly becoming a risky profession and eventually journalists tend to refrain from reporting on sensitive issues.

We condemn all attacks and violence against journalists and media workers. We urge the government to ensure journalists have access to appropriate legal help. 

A safe and enabling environment for journalists should be created to allow them to work independently and without fear or unjustified interference. We call on the authorities to  be more tolerant towards free expression and those exercising their constitutional right to it.