Editors’ Council protests ‘sweeping, unwarranted’ allegations against media

The Editors' Council has strongly protested the ‘sweeping and unwarranted’ allegations made against the media at the National Youth Conference organised by Jatiya Juboshakti, the youth wing of National Citizen Party (NCP).

In a statement, signed by its President Mahfuz Anam and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud, issued on Wednesday, the council condemned the remarks and urged all parties to make statements that are fact-based and responsible.

According to the statement, speakers at the conference alleged that “the media is attempting to tarnish the image of those involved in the mass uprising” and is acting as “a mouthpiece for intelligence agencies,” similar to the period of Sheikh Hasina’s autocratic rule.

The Editors' Council said, on the contrary, the media played a crucial role during last year’s mass uprising.

Editors and journalists endured various forms of persecution, harassment, and repression during the Awami League’s 15-year rule, the statement read.

Highlighting the media’s role, the council noted that during the uprising, key issues such as state forces’ killings, human rights violations, the internet blackout, and other critical developments were brought to the public’s attention through courageous reporting.

“In particular, most print media fearlessly presented facts, significantly contributing to shaping public opinion in favour of the uprising while working under considerable threats and intimidation.”

The council further stated that even under the interim government led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, most print media are playing a constructive role in building a democratic state, upholding the aspirations of the July uprising, and exposing the government’s shortcomings to the public.