OCAB asks govt to reinstate journalist accreditation, ensure press freedom

The Overseas Correspondents Association Bangladesh, or OCAB, has criticised the cancellation of accreditation for 167 journalists, calling it a severe blow to independent journalism in the country.

In a statement on Monday, the Dhaka-based platform representing international media condemned the decision of the Press Information Department of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, describing it as contradictory to the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government’s promise to foster a conducive environment for press freedom.

The group also expressed concerns over allegations against journalists, including fictitious charges of murder or attempted murder, and urged the government to withdraw these accusations immediately.

Also, the government should refrain from taking any further steps to bring more journalists under such a plan to cancel accreditation, the group said in the statement, reports bdnews24.com.

“Silencing the media undermines independent journalism and jeopardises the democratic aspirations of the people,” OCAB said, adding that such actions threaten press freedom and create a climate of fear.

The statement followed an Executive Committee meeting chaired by OCAB President Nazrul Islam on Nov 16.

The association echoed global organisations such as the Committee to Protect Journalists, or CPJ, the Commonwealth Journalists Association, or CJA, the Reporters Without Borders, Dhaka-based Editors’ Council and other journalists’ unions, urging the government to cease all forms of harassment against journalists.

OCAB also welcomed the government's decision to repeal the Cyber Security Act, expressing hope that no prior tactics of media suppression would resurface. The association reiterated its commitment to independent journalism, urging the interim administration to uphold freedom of expression as a cornerstone of sustainable democracy.

OCAB has also demanded immediate withdrawal of the decision and return the accreditation to journalists, including its senior members.