Shafiqul Alam reaffirms commitment to press freedom and journalist safety, calls for united efforts

Interim Govt Firmly Upholds Press Freedom, Says Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Friday categorically rejected allegations that the interim government has undermined freedom of expression or media independence during its tenure.

“We strongly and unequivocally reject any suggestion that this administration has eroded press freedom or curtailed media independence,” Alam said.

In a statement titled “Response to NOAB: Setting the Record Straight” posted on his verified Facebook account, Alam reaffirmed the government’s steadfast commitment to transparency, freedom, and safety. He also called for collaborative efforts to protect and strengthen these core democratic values.

Acknowledging Concerns, Reaffirming Commitment

Alam acknowledged the concerns raised by the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) in its recent statement regarding media freedom and access to information. However, he maintained that the interim administration has refrained from any interference in the editorial, operational, or business matters of media organisations since assuming office.

“On the contrary, we have shown extraordinary restraint—even in the face of misinformation and politically motivated narratives,” he said.

He noted that television talk shows and columns have often featured “false and incendiary claims” about the government. “Yet, we have neither censored these nor taken retaliatory action. We have not filed cases, suspended licenses, or penalised outlets—even when provoked. In fact, several media outlets that had been forcibly shut down by the previous regime were allowed to resume operations,” Alam added.

Unrestricted Access to Government

Addressing NOAB’s claim of restricted access to information, Alam said journalists have enjoyed direct and open access to the advisers and special assistants of the Chief Adviser.

“No journalist has been denied an interview or briefing because of their affiliation or editorial position. Our conduct reflects our commitment to transparency,” he asserted.

Accreditation Reform: Restoring Integrity

Responding to criticism of recent reforms to the accreditation process, Alam described NOAB’s concerns as “misinformed.”

He said the previous system was rife with abuse, allowing individuals with no legitimate journalistic function—including politicians and lobbyists—to access the Secretariat and influence policy inappropriately.

“To restore credibility, we dismantled that compromised framework and introduced a temporary pass system that ensures access for all bona fide journalists,” Alam explained. “This reform was not about restricting access—it was about upholding integrity.”

He further added that the interim government has amended prior accreditation rules, which previously obligated journalists to echo the government’s line and contained clauses contradicting constitutional guarantees of press freedom.

A new accreditation card with extended validity is currently being rolled out, Alam confirmed.

Job Losses: Editorial, Not Governmental

Alam also addressed the issue of journalist layoffs, stating unequivocally that the government had no role in these decisions.

“Any job losses are a result of internal editorial or corporate restructuring—not government pressure,” he said.

Journalist Safety: A Shared Duty

On the matter of safety, Alam reiterated the government’s full commitment to the security and dignity of journalists, noting that creating a secure working environment is a shared responsibility between the government, law enforcement, and media organisations.

He highlighted recent steps, including the Media Reform Commission’s proposal for a new “Journalists’ Protection Law”, aimed at reducing self-censorship and protecting journalists from intimidation.

“The government is actively considering promulgating this law,” he added.

A Call for Industry Introspection

While welcoming constructive feedback, Alam urged NOAB to examine its own practices before pointing fingers.

“We urge NOAB to hold its members accountable for issues such as wage exploitation, denial of labour rights, unsafe working conditions, and inadequate protective measures for reporters in the field,” he said.

He emphasised that the interim government, tasked with guiding a delicate transition, has deliberately maintained a hands-off approach to ensure an environment free from fear or interference.

“For us, freedom of expression is not a slogan—it is a principle we live by,” Alam concluded.

He said NOAB’s concerns would be more credible if they were based on facts and accurately targeted. “Sweeping accusations based on flawed interpretations do little to promote press freedom and only distract from the real challenges confronting the media in Bangladesh.”