Newspaper editors say broadcast policy will curb media freedom

Several newspaper editors have criticised the new national broadcast policy in a statement, saying the government wants to control the media with it.

The statement from Editor’s Council, signed by their president and Daily Samakal Editor Golam Sarwar, was issued on Wednesday.

“The Editor’s Council is concerned that freedom of expression and the free flow of information will be compromised by the recently announced national broadcast policy and various steps taken by the government,” the statement said.

“The council believes the government wants to control the media with these steps.”

The statement also said the government’s steps were in conflict with the freedom of the press and other civil rights ensured by the Constitution and the access to information promised by the RTI Act.

“This will weaken the foundations of democracy and impede the advance of the media,” the statement said.

The council said it would welcome any effort to introduce an internationally recognised code of conduct by the stakeholders aiming to create an environment of responsible journalism and ensure free flow of information.

The statement also condemned the police raid on Daily Inqilab office and the arrest of mediapersons across the country.

Among the editors are Mahfuz Anam, Matiur Rahman, Riaz Uddin Ahmed, Tasmima Hossain, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Mozammel Hossain, Shyamal Dutta, Alamgir Mohiuddin, Khandker Muniruzzaman, Moazzem Hossain, Emdadul Haque Milon, Naem Nizam, Shahjahan Sarder, Saiful Alam, Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Amir Hossain and M Shamsur Rahman were present.