Published :
Updated :
For all latest news, follow The Financial Express Google News channel.
Giving journalists proper salaries through the Wage Board, ensuring fair trials for those who spread false information during the past fascist regime, and changing how media ownership works can help protect journalists in Bangladesh. At present, media freedom in the country is similar to that in the Western democratic countries, said Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser (CA).
He was speaking at a dialogue titled 'Exploring Legal Framework for Journalists' Protection and Grievances', held at the CIRDAP Auditorium in the capital, and organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS).
Alam said protecting journalists is important, but asked, "What about the people who were hurt by lies and false news?"
The journalists, who helped the fascist government by spreading falsehoods, must be brought to justice. "If these people are not put on trial, those who suffered might react."
He gave the example of Fox News in the US, which had to pay US$700 million fine for spreading false information.
"But in Bangladesh, you can write whatever you want. The government has done its best for journalism. If anyone conducts a survey, it will show that there is no pressure on the media. However, the government gets no appreciation for these efforts."
The CA's press secretary also pointed out that social media has become a major source of misinformation and disinformation, which is now a big concern.
When asked about the sudden cancellation of entry passes for 600 journalists to the Secretariat, he admitted the decision was made in a rush for strategic reasons, but most of the journalists have now been allowed in again.
Law Adviser Asif Nazrul said the High Court can cancel cases even after charge-sheets are filed.
He said, "I have nothing to do with the police or false cases. Most of the cases under the Digital Security Act have already been withdrawn."
Shakhawat Hossain Sayantha, secretary of a think-tank G-9, said journalists' associations often harm themselves by not standing together.
"The National Press Club is controlled by powerful people. When giving press licences, political loyalty is often more important than merit. Many senior journalists, who run media offices, are also involved in politics, and they control news narratives."
He also said except for around 400-500 journalists, who are covered by the Wage Board, most media people are struggling to support their families. Without implementing a Wage Board and educating journalists, good journalism could hardly be expected.
About the cases against the journalists, linked to the former fascist government, he said some lawsuits are actually being used to protect the wrongdoers - those who were involved in money laundering, spreading fake news, and damaging democracy. "False cases are being filed to make them look like victims."
He opined that innocent journalists must not suffer, and illegal control over media houses and other wrongs must be fought legally.
Journalist Qadaruddin Shishir, founder of an alternative media outlet Dissent, said many journalists and media houses that supported the fascist regime and committed wrongdoings have still not apologised.
He also mentioned that the top leader of Jamaat-e-Islami has apologised for the harm caused by the party from 1947 to 1971 and even afterwards. "If the party can say sorry, why can't journalists?"
The discussion was moderated by journalist and news anchor Zillur Rahman.
tonmoy.wardad@gmail.com