Murder cases against journalists is a violation of govt's promise to free press: Editors’ Council

The Editors’ Council, representing top editors across Bangladesh, strongly stated that the murder cases against journalists are a violation of the Interim Government's commitment to independent journalism.

The Editors Council’s President, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, and General Secretary, The Daily Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, made a statement over the issue on Saturday.

The Council in “unequivocal voice” said that such cases are an abuse of existing laws of the country.

The statement said if journalists have committed any offence, legal action can be taken against them by following due procedures based on specific allegations.

The Editors’ Council stressed that unethical journalism deviating from professionalism should be avoided. 

According to the statement, the journalists, who supported the oppressive activities of the previous government in the name of journalism, may be investigated by forming a committee under the Press Council.

“If proven guilty there, they can be punished under the Press Council Act,” the statement reads.

In case of their other offences, they may be tried under the existing law on the recommendation of the Press Council, it added.

The previous government’s attempts to suppress the voice of journalists through restraining laws, harassment and arrests were widely condemned and criticized in the global arena, the statement said, adding that currently the trend of continuous murder cases in the name of journalists is also undermining the image of the interim government in the international arena.

In this situation, the Editors’ Council, in the statement, urges the government to release the journalists from the cases as soon as possible if their involvement is not found after proper scrutiny.