Guard against 'media trials', attorney general tells journalists

The constitution of Bangladesh guarantees press freedom, but it is not a “direct fundamental right”, he says

Attorney General Md Ruhul Quddus Kazal has asked journalists to be careful so nobody faces a “media trial”.

Addressing an event of the Supreme Court Reporters’ Forum (SRF) at a club in Dhaka on Saturday, the country’s chief law officer said press freedom is “not a basic right”.

“Justice in our country must be delivered through the courts. You have to be careful so nobody is tried through the media,” he said.

Media trial occurs when news and social media coverage leads the public to believe that a person is guilty or innocent before a court reaches a verdict, often disregarding the principle of "innocent until proven guilty".

According to him, the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees freedom of the press, but it is “not a direct fundamental right”.

“In many cases, we have reasonable restrictions on it [press freedom]. Just as every person has the right to know information, you [journalists] also have to make a balance so the free flow of news is also ensured," said Kazal.

The attorney general said media reports often “misquote” lawyers and judges, sometimes publishing “fragmented statements” of the court.

He also expressed concern about the “misinformation” and “rumors” spread on social media.

Advising journalists to be cautious about the misuse of artificial intelligence, Kazal said any information from any person on social media cannot be trusted instantly.