Newspaper editors express confidence in interim government

The government’s term depends on its main agenda…whether it’s 2, 3, or 5 years, Mahfuz Anam says

Newspaper editors have expressed their support for the work of the interim government in a meeting with Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus.

They also demanded the repeal of all ‘anti-journalistic’ laws and a stop to the way lawsuits are being filed against journalists.

Editors, including Mahfuz Anam of The Daily Star and Matiur Rahman of the Prothom Alo, met with Yunus for an hour and a half on Tuesday at the State Guest House Jamuna.

After the meeting, Anam told the media that they have demanded autonomous governance for Bangladesh Television, the Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, and Bangladesh Betar, which are under government control, so that they can perform their duties professionally.

He said the head of the interim government told them that the whole world was watching Bangladesh and was eager to assist it.

Anam continued: "We are hoping for some important reforms. Among these reforms are amendments to the constitution, strengthening local government, various autonomous agencies, the Anti-Corruption Commission, the Human Rights Commission, and the Election Commission. We want truly public-serving institutions.”

“We desire an Election Commission that can reflect the thoughts of the voters in the future. We want an Anti-Corruption Commission that can independently suppress corruption in the country."

“They can take the time necessary to implement these reforms.”

Raising the demand for the abolition of all anti-journalism laws, he said the interim government could announce that sections of the Digital Security Act and the Cyber Security Act that ‘oppress’ journalists will be scrapped.

“[The chief advisor] believes in completely independent journalism. He made a special request to us to establish a national consensus through our writings. He urged us to openly and without hesitation print the mistakes of this government. We should help this government.

He added, "If the chief advisor believes that a special committee should be formed for amendments to the constitution or changes to all kinds of laws, then I also want constitutional reform. We want democratic reforms."

When asked about the security of journalists, he said that these are not policy matters of his government.

Mahfuz said Yunus had also asked the editors how long the interim government should remain in charge.

“Many have given their opinions on this matter. But what is the main agenda of this government? The time depends on that. Whether it’s 2, 3, or 5 years, he has no personal thoughts on it.”

“What does the nation want? What are the people thinking? That’s what he wants to know. He has called on the media [to do this]. We should write what the people think.”