Editors report that press freedom continues to come under attack

The Sampadak Parishad (Editors Council) has expressed concern that press freedom in Bangladesh continues to face various forms of attacks, despite repeated assurances from the interim government and other authorities. 

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Editors Council called on the government to take firm action against “mob justice” targeting the media and other institutions and urged all relevant parties to avoid actions that undermine press freedom. The editors highlighted that ensuring press freedom was a fundamental pledge made during the August 5 mass uprising and the establishment of Bangladesh, a commitment reiterated by the interim government and other authorities.

“The Sampadak Parishad is gravely concerned that certain segments of society are still targeting media freedom, despite assurances of a supportive environment for independent journalism,” the statement read. The editors noted instances of threats made against several prominent print media outlets, including Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, which have sought security for their offices from law enforcement agencies, who responded promptly.

The Editors Council emphasized that any objections to news or editorial policies should be addressed through written counterarguments, rather than through force or intimidation. “If there are objections regarding the news or editorial stance of a publication, intellectual responses or statements are the appropriate channels, not threats or coercive tactics that echo past anti-democratic practices,” the statement continued.

The Sampadak Parishad strongly condemned these attempts to restrict independent journalism and called on the government to address mob justice decisively. The council urged all concerned parties to avoid any activities that might hinder press freedom.

The statement followed a meeting held on November 4 at The Daily Star office in Dhaka, presided over by Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star. Attendees included Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman, Manabzamin editor-in-chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, New Age editor Nurul Kabir, Financial Express editor Shamsul Huq Zahid, and other prominent editors from leading Bangladeshi publications.