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Bangladesh Press Council (BPC) Chairman Justice A K M Abdul Hakim felt the need for enacting a law to safeguard the journalists in the country.
“We believe the (journalists)... protection act will be enacted; there is no reason to rule it out. I personally believe there is a need for enacting the law,” said the BPC chairman.
The media reform commission has already presented a draft, he said, adding that there are different stages of procedure before finalising a law.
He came up with the opinion while addressing as a chief guest of a training workshop titled "Yellow-journalism in the mass media and its prevention and objective news presentation".
The BPC organised the programme with the participation of members of the Bangladesh Editors Forum at its headquarters in the city’s Segunbagicha area on Monday.
A council member and the editor of The Financial Express (FE), Shamsul Huq Zahid was present as the resource person, while the BPC Secretary, Md Abdus Sabur, also spoke on the occasion.
In his speech, BPC Chairman underscored the need for proper cognisance of the journalism’s code of conduct and relevant laws.
Mr Hakim also said there are around 1600 laws in Bangladesh; however, their implementation and abiding by the citizens are important.
Responding to a query, he said there have been plenty of platforms for journalists only because of political and individuals’ interests.
Resource person of the event Mr Shamsul Huq Zahid said the rise of alternate social media has paved a way for spreading misinformation and disinformation; however, it is difficult to prevent them.
He also said, unlike mainstream media, social media cannot be brought under legal steps.
Highlighting the wide extent of yellow journalism, he also said, “Both the government and journalists have responsibilities to ensure authenticity.”
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