State minister warns of action against journalists supporting terrorism, anti-democratic activities

Yaser Khan says journalists, politicians and businesspeople are all subject to the law

ত্রয়োদশ জাতীয় সংসদের প্রথম অধিবেশন বৃহস্পতিবার অনুষ্ঠিত হয়। ছবি: পিএমও

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury has warned that journalists found involved in anti-democratic activities, terrorism or any actions contrary to the law will face legal action.

“Freedom of the media exists. However, under the country's laws, anyone who works against upholding democracy, seeks to undermine democratic institutions or engages in terrorism is not above the law,” he told parliament on Sunday.

The remarks came during the question-and-answer session on the opening day of the budget session of the 13th parliament, in response to a supplementary question from Cumilla-4 MP Hasnat Abdullah.

In his question, Hasnat alleged that in the past some journalists and media outlets had legitimised enforced disappearances, killings, vote rigging, bank looting and mass killings, and had helped build public opinion in support of such actions.

Referring to several journalists and media organisations by name, he asked whether any legal action had been taken against them and why some had reportedly been rehabilitated in different institutions.

Responding, the state minister said: “Our friend from the opposition has asked not one but several questions. Whether someone is a journalist, politician, businessman or public servant, no one is above the law. Anyone found acting in violation of the law will face action under the existing legal framework.”

During the session, Netrokona-3 MP Rafiqul Islam Hilali raised concerns about security risks faced by journalists investigating online gambling and cybercrime.

In reply, Yaser said the government was updating policies governing journalists working in online and digital media.

“Necessary guidelines are being prepared to ensure their recognition, registration and professional safety,” he said.

Noakhali-2 MP Zainul Abdin Farroque alleged that some individuals were engaging in misconduct on social media while claiming to be journalists and called for action against them.

The state minister said a monitoring team was already working to identify the spread of false and misleading information on social media platforms.

“Those who are not registered journalists but are spreading various forms of misinformation on social media are also being monitored,” he told parliament.

Cox’s Bazar-3 MP Lutfur Rahman asked whether any policy existed for the registration and approval of online news portals.

Yaser replied that the government was drafting a policy framework for approving new online portals and digital media outlets.

“In future, all online media platforms and online portals will be approved in accordance with this policy,” he said.