CPJ's Letter to Dr. Yunus for Protecting Press Freedom

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Publish : 12 Nov 2024, 08:16 AM

Photo: Collected

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has called on Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus to take steps to protect press freedom in Bangladesh. In a letter sent via email to Dr. Yunus on Monday, November 11, CPJ CEO Jodie Ginsberg, who works on press freedom worldwide, issued this appeal.

The letter, also published on CPJ's website, welcomed the announcement by Bangladesh's interim government’s Ministry of Information on November 4 to repeal the Cyber Security Act of 2003 within a week. In addition, CPJ’s CEO praised Dr. Yunus’s various contributions as Chief Advisor and urged him to take steps to safeguard the fundamental rights enshrined in Bangladesh’s constitution and in international covenants on civil and political rights. The letter further called for the immediate suspension of any laws that undermine obligations to protect freedom of expression and press freedom.

CPJ also highlighted that hundreds of cases have been filed against journalists in Bangladesh due to their work. It urged the government to assist in dismissing these cases, especially ensuring due judicial process and fair trials for the four journalists associated with the ruling Awami League—Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, Mozammel Babu, and Shyamal Dutta—who are currently imprisoned.

The organization also called for swift, independent, and transparent investigations into recent incidents of attacks and violence against journalists and media offices in Bangladesh.

Additionally, CPJ demanded an end to unlawful surveillance and harassment of journalists by law enforcement agencies. It urged the formation of an integrated journalist protection law through discussions with media representatives and civil society, to ensure that journalists can report safely and freely.

The letter also recommended reforms to the Bangladesh Press Council, suggesting it be developed into an independent, self-regulatory body that can handle complaints related to journalistic ethics without criminalizing journalists or imposing restrictions on their work.

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