Editors’ Council expresses concern over attacks on press freedom

The Editors’ Council has express concern over the attacks on press freedom in the country.
In a statement issued today that was signed by Editors’ Council president Mahfuz Anam and general secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud, the council pointed to the incidents of occupation, assault, and vandalism that have occurred in front of the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, noting that the security of these institutions remains under threat.
The Editors’ Council said it views positively the expressions of concern from Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB), the press wing of the Chief Adviser’s Office, and the Information and Broadcasting Adviser Nahid Islam.
The statement added that the Editors’ Council believes that if someone has a difference of opinion about the news or editorial policy of any newspaper, they are free to express this view. The Editors’ Council decried attempts to create disorder as it disrupts the practice of journalism, and condemned such incidents.
The statement also called on the government to take strict action to suppress mob justice everywhere, including the media, and requested all concerned parties to refrain from actions that undermine the freedom of the press.