Bangladesh News

In the wake of a strong media outcry against restrictions on the media and its leaders’ firm resolve to defy it, the caretaker government (CG) yesterday clarified that no restrictions have been imposed on the freedom or functions of the media.

The government would soon invite media representatives for discussions to reach a workable solution on the issue, according to the home ministry.

Editors of some newspapers welcomed the government clarification but reiterated the demand for withdrawal of the relevant clause in the Emergency Power Rules 2007, published on January 25.

Taking note of similar concerns regarding normal activities of trade unions and professional bodies, the CG also decided to issue necessary instructions to allow indoor activities of such unions and bodies, the home ministry yesterday said in a clarification on a gazette notification published on Emergency Power Rules 2007.

Earlier on Sunday, editors of national newspapers, news agencies and television channels, and senior journalists categorically told Law and Information Adviser Mainul Hosein that they would not abide by the restrictions imposed on the media by the emergency rules.

“The government is deeply aware of the very positive role the media has been playing during the current critical period in the nation’s history,” reads the home ministry clarification.

The government is also profoundly concerned about the need for preserving freedom of the press even under these circumstances, it said. “However, it has been brought to the notice of the government that there exist some questions in certain quarters about the possibility of curtailing press freedom on account of the above gazette.”

The clarification went on, “The government wishes to reiterate unequivocally that no restrictions have been imposed on the media’s freedom or functions. However, in order to avoid any misunderstanding, the government will soon invite media representatives to discuss in order to reach a workable solution on the issue.”

Reazuddin Ahmed, editor of the News Today, said he is happy that the government has clarified its position saying that it has imposed no restriction on the media.

“But the 5th clause in the Emergency Power Rules 2007 which is hanging upon the media as a sword should be withdrawn,” he said.

The clause is a ’sleeping tiger’ that may wake up and bite anytime, he added.

Welcoming the proposal of discussion, Editor of the Jugantor Abed Khan said, “It is possible to ensure press freedom through discussion, while not compromising on the question of fundamental rights. And we will try for it in the proposed discussion.”

Atiqullah Khan Masud, Editor of the Jankantha, noted that the present caretaker government did not require imposing the clause regarding media restriction as the media cooperated with the government from the very beginning.

“The press cannot be controlled by imposing any rule that may rather create negative result,” Editor of the Amar Desh Amanullah Kabir said.

He demanded fresh instructions from the government, saying, “Written instructions are very important because the field-level officers work following the government rules.”