Editors' Council condemns the revocation of journalists' access to the secretariat

The Editors’ Council has strongly condemned and protested the recent decision to revoke journalists’ access to the secretariat, describing it as a serious threat to independent journalism.

In a statement released on Sunday, signed by Mahfuz Anam, Editor of The Daily Star and President of the Editors’ Council, and Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Editor of Banik Barta and General Secretary of the Council, the organisation voiced deep concerns about the move.

The Ministry of Home Affairs issued the order on Friday through a press release, citing security concerns following a recent fire at the secretariat. The directive suspended journalists’ access via their accreditation cards until further notice. The Editors’ Council strongly criticized the decision, calling it a major hindrance to press freedom.

The statement also noted a clarification issued by the Chief Advisor’s Office press wing on 28 December, which expressed regret over the matter. It explained that due to heightened security concerns at the secretariat—the central administrative hub—journalists with accreditation cards, along with other private pass holders, were temporarily restricted from entering. The government announced plans to reassess the current accreditation system. On Sunday, the Department of Information and Technology stated that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is reviewing accreditation procedures and will soon issue new permanent or temporary cards. Temporary passes for journalists would be available starting Monday.

While the Editors’ Council welcomed the review process, it stressed the importance of distinguishing professional journalists from amateurs during the evaluation. However, the Council criticised the sweeping restriction on journalists’ access, describing it as a global affront to independent journalism.

The statement also drew attention to previous restrictions under the Awami League government, when journalists faced significant challenges reporting on financial sector irregularities, including at Bangladesh Bank. Despite these barriers, journalists stood firm in their commitment to exposing issues, even before the mass uprising. After the Sheikh Hasina government’s fall on 5 August, the interim government announced plans to repeal the controversial Cyber Security Act. However, it approved the Cyber Security Ordinance 2024 on 24 December, which retained contentious police powers criticized for potential misuse. The Editors’ Council specifically opposed Sections 35 and 36 of the new ordinance, which mirrored problematic provisions of the earlier law.

The Council also expressed disappointment that the ordinance was drafted without consulting relevant stakeholders, calling this an authoritarian approach.

It urged the interim government to address concerns regarding the ordinance and to immediately restore journalists’ access to the secretariat, ensuring transparency and safeguarding press freedom.