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Published : 24 Nov 2025, 08:38 PM
Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman has called for an end to restrictive laws targeting journalists.
On Monday, he urged the media to adopt policies to protect citizens from false propaganda.
He said: “The government has kept many avenues open to control journalists. It’s like the stars in the sky -- every law is applied to restrict and regulate them.”
Speaking at the closing session of the “Bay of Bengal Conversation 2025” in Dhaka, he warned that, under existing provisions, journalists could ultimately face charges of treason.
“To change this trend, the state’s mindset must change. Until those exercising executive power shift their approach, attacking the Digital Security Act alone will not solve the problem,” he added.
Asaduzzaman highlighted the misuse of Section 500 of the Penal Code, where defamation and civil claims can be applied against journalists, calling it a “black law” since it cannot be enforced immediately.
He also cautioned that the 1974 Special Powers Act could be used to harass journalists if the state wished.
“We want an end to all restrictive and oppressive laws that muzzle journalists and stop their pen,” he said. “Future political leaders must revisit these issues.”
He urged media outlets to devise mechanisms protecting citizens from “false or sensationalist” reporting.
“If you protect only yourselves and leave citizens exposed, that sends the wrong message to society,” he said.
On whether the elected government should repeal all restrictive laws, he responded: “It should. That will be my recommendation.”
About the Digital Security Act, he said he hoped future governments would consult stakeholders and find a balanced path that protects both citizens’ rights and journalists’ professionalism.
He also directed pending cases under the Digital Security Act to be expedited by the High Court before December and assured that FIR-stage cases would be finalised swiftly.
The government has already ordered the discharge of all speech-related cases and continues to show leniency in other matters, he said.
