SRF writes to chief justice seeking journalists’ entry to Appellate Division courtrooms

The Supreme Court Reporters Forum (SRF) has once again written to the chief justice seeking permission for journalists to enter the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court.

In a letter signed on Wednesday by SRF President Masudur Rahman Rana and General Secretary Mehedi Hasan Dalim, the organisation said that journalists have been barred from entering the Appellate Division of Bangladesh’s highest court for nearly four months.

As a result, journalists are unable to observe proceedings directly from the courtroom and gather accurate information for reporting.

“The inability to access the courtroom is hampering the media’s role in providing the public with proper and accurate information about important judicial proceedings. We believe that the free and responsible presence of the media is essential to maintaining transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the judiciary,” the letter stated.

It further said that without the opportunity to collect news directly from the courtroom, there is a risk of information gaps, confusion, or incomplete reporting, which is also not favourable for the image of the judiciary.

The letter noted that the SRF had previously submitted written requests on the matter. In addition, journalists have organised peaceful demonstrations, including human chains, demanding the opportunity to perform their professional duties. However, no effective decision has yet been made.

The letter requested that journalists be allowed to enter the Appellate Division courtroom after Eid-ul-Azha.

“We earnestly seek your kind directive to allow journalists to enter the Appellate Division courtroom after Eid-ul-Azha. The Supreme Court Reporters Forum is committed to extending all kinds of cooperation to prevent unethical journalism,” the letter said.

The letter was received by Supreme Court Registrar General Muhammad Habibur Rahman Siddiqui.

At the time, the president, general secretary, and other executive committee members of the SRF were present.