Editors’ Council meets PM, calls for an end to repressive laws

Leaders of the Editors’ Council on Sunday submitted to Prime Minister Tarique Rahman a list of 282 journalists facing criminal cases, including 94 named in murder cases, and urged the government to repeal or amend the repressive media laws.
The issue was raised during a meeting at the Secretariat in the capital.
Speaking to reporters afterward, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam said the council prepared the list sincerely, though it may not be fully complete.
He said the prime minister accepted the list and directed the information ministry to review the matter and take necessary steps.
The Editors’ Council argued that filing murder and multiple criminal cases against journalists harms the democratic environment and could damage the 
 government’s image, Anam said, adding that the prime minister assured the delegation the matter would be examined seriously.
Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan said the prime minister agreed with the concerns raised and instructed authorities to take prompt action regarding the cases.
He also noted that senior journalists and editors thanked the government for not interfering in media operations since taking office.
The council also called for the repeal and amendment of “undemocratic” provisions in media-related laws.
In a press release, its executive committee said several existing laws are outdated and obstruct press freedom. It specifically criticised the declaration requirement for newspaper publication under the Printing Presses and Publications Act of 1973.
The Editors’ Council proposed either forming a Media Commission or strengthening the Press Council to reform the sector.
The prime minister reportedly directed the information ministry to complete reviews by June and take visible measures by July.
Among those present were Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, State Minister Yasser Khan Choudhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, Editors’ Council President and New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, General Secretary and Banik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Mahfuz Anam, The Financial Express Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid, Manab Zamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, Dainik Inqilab Editor AMM Bahauddin, Suprobhat Bangladesh Editor Rusho Mahmud and Dainik Karatoa Editor Mozammel Haque Lalu.