Editors' Council logo'It is the inherent duty of the media to expose corruption and irregularities and point out the failures of the administration. Simple criticism of lawmakers, district administrations and people in power are behind most of the recent cases,” reads the statement. Clear preference of filing cases under DSA instead of existing defamation laws indicates a desire to intimidate and harass journalists rather than seek justice, it added. We consider the recent suing and arrest of journalists as clear threats to freedom of press and freedom of expression. “Such anti-free media actions and frequent arrest of journalists only serve to hamper that united effort,” the Sampadak Parishad said.

Source: Dhaka Tribune May 07, 2020 14:26 UTC