PRESS FREEDOM
CPJ outlines 10 actions for Prof Yunus
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CPJ outlines 10 actions for Prof Yunus
The Committee to Protect Journalists has urged Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to urgently address press freedom in the country.
In a letter sent yesterday. following a recent meeting at the 2024 UN General Assembly, the CPJ outlined 10 key actions for the interim to government protect journalists and uphold freedom of expression.
Among the top priorities, CPJ called for a moratorium on repressive media laws, specifically following the announced repeal of the controversial Cyber Security Act 2023. This law, which replaced the much-criticised Digital Security Act, has been used to target journalists under previous administrations.
CPJ also called for the dismissal of hundreds of retaliatory criminal cases against journalists, many of whom face police investigations or imprisonment.
It urged the authorities to ensure the procedural rights of four arrested pro-Awami League journalists, including their right to a fair trial.
The organisation, which advocates for press freedom worldwide, also demanded investigations into the recent attacks on journalists, including fatal shootings in July 2024, unsolved murders, and numerous reports of custodial violence, torture, and abductions.
Other recommendations included ending the surveillance and harassment of journalists, implementing journalist protection legislation, and reforming the Bangladesh Press Council to establish it as an independent entity.
CPJ also advocated for improved press accreditation processes, unrestricted visas for foreign journalists, and unimpeded access to media outlets and internet services.
It asserted that these reforms are crucial for safeguarding press freedom and ensuring a robust, independent press in Bangladesh amid growing threats tomedia media rights.
Source: Daily Star
