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The Editors’ Council (EC) on Tuesday aired deep concern over incorporating a new provision in the Anti-terrorism (Amendment) Act, warning that it might undermine the spread of peoples’ freedom of expression and rights of mass media.
Through a statement issued to the media outlets, the EC said the interim government had published the gazette of Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 on May 11, before imposing the ban on activities of Awami League next day (May 12).
A new clause was inserted into Subsection 1 of clause (kha) of Section 20 of the Act No. 16 of 2009.
The clause reads, “Any publication or printing of a press statement issued by the said entity or in support of it, or any kind of campaign through media, online, social media or any other means, or organisation of rallies, meetings, press conferences or public speeches shall be prohibited.”
The EC said the application of such a provision could severely limit the extent of peoples’ freedom expression and press freedom in the country.
The statement was issued on behalf of the EC by its President Mahfuz Anam and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud.
“It is matter of concern and it would create fear over press freedom,” the EC observed.
“Inclusion of a provision, which creates scope for possible abuse, is not expected from the interim government,” it added.
The provision requires revision, the statement said adding that the EC has demanded postponement of the clause in question for its reconsideration.