Dhaka: Various international organizations have expressed concern over the interim government's three-phase cancellation of the accreditation cards of 167 journalists. The list includes the names of many professional and active journalists and editors.
The British media 'Independent' reported this news in a report on Thursday (November 14).
The report mentioned that Reporters Without Borders, in a statement, said that the interim government's move to cancel the accreditation cards of journalists encourages 'self-censorship'.
They also said that although a committee was formed to monitor various cases of harassment against journalists, they do not understand the reason for canceling the accreditation cards within a week of the formation of the committee.
It cited a statement by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and said that the steps of canceling the accreditation cards, along with various incidents of threats and attacks against newspapers, indicates an anti-people authoritarian regime.
In addition, citing the statement of the Editors' Council of Bangladesh, the report said that the Editors' Council believes that the Ministry of Information has the right to review any misuse of accreditation cards. However, the move to cancel press accreditation cards indiscriminately without specific allegations and evidence of crime is a threat to the freedom of the media and an obstacle to ensuring a democratic environment.
This creates a risk of creating a regulatory environment including censorship in the media, which is also contrary to the original spirit of the July-August coup. The Editors' Council sees the matter as a repetition of the undemocratic practices of the past ultra-regulatory structure.
It is worth noting that Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 5 due to the student-people movement. At the same time, the long-standing Awami League regime collapsed. Then on August 8, an interim government was formed under the leadership of Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
Immediately after taking office, the chief adviser pledged to restore democracy and uphold a free press. In an interview, he said, "Write and criticize as you please." If you don't write, how will we know what is happening and what isn't?