Paris, France; November 10, 2024 — JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) unequivocally condemns the recent cancellation of press accreditation cards for 167 professional journalists by the Directorate of Information (PID) under the interim government of Dr. Mohammad Yunus. This decision, implemented in three phases, represents an alarming violation of fundamental principles enshrined in both national and international law, jeopardizing the essence of free speech and press freedom—cornerstones of any democratic society.
According to reports from various news outlets, JMBF learned that the PID announced the cancellation of the accreditation cards of 118 journalists, effective November 7, 2024. The affected journalists hold roles ranging from editors and deputy editors to reporters, contributing to major media organizations.
Previously, the PID revoked the accreditation cards of 20 journalists on October 29 and 29 more on November 5, 2024. This brought the total number of affected individuals to 167 under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr. Mohammad Yunus.
Advocate Shahanur Islam, a Bangladeshi human rights lawyer residing in France and founder-president of JMBF, stated: “The Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees freedom of expression and the press under Article 39. This article ensures every citizen's right to freely express their thoughts and opinions without unwarranted suppression. The recent revocation of press accreditations from journalists contradicts these constitutional guarantees, undermining both the rights of the journalists and the public’s access to unbiased information.”
Robert Simon, a prominent human rights activist and chief adviser of JMBF, added: “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), adopted by the United Nations in 1948, affirms in Article 19 that ‘everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.’ The cancellation of press accreditation cards by the interim government of Bangladesh is a direct affront to this internationally recognized right.”
He continued: “Bangladesh is a signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which enshrines freedom of expression under Article 19. By invalidating journalists' credentials and impeding their duties, the government disregards its commitments under this binding international treaty, damaging its credibility on the global stage and undermining adherence to international human rights standards.”
JMBF asserts that revoking the accreditation of respected figures in the media industry—including editors-in-chief, bureau chiefs, and senior correspondents—poses a significant threat to press freedom and democracy in Bangladesh. A free press is essential for government accountability, transparency, and an informed citizenry. Silencing the media by stripping journalists of their credentials fosters an environment of fear and self-censorship, undermining the democratic principles of accountability and participation.
JMBF calls on the interim government of Bangladesh to immediately reinstate the press accreditation cards of all affected journalists and urges strict adherence to national laws and international conventions that protect press freedom and freedom of expression.
JMBF also calls on international bodies, including the United Nations, human rights organizations, and press freedom advocates, to closely monitor this situation and pressure the interim government to uphold its legal and moral obligations.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) stands in unwavering solidarity with the journalists whose rights have been violated. We remind the Bangladeshi government that the suppression of a free media not only erodes public trust but also weakens democratic structures and the rule of law.
JMBF will continue to advocate for the rights of these journalists and uphold the values of justice, transparency, and freedom—core tenets for any society aspiring to democracy and progress.
Thank you,
Mosa Jannatul Ferdaus
JMBF Chief Coordinator & Executive Member
Fact in Brief: Press Accreditation Card Cancellations in Bangladesh (2024)
On November 7, 2024, the Directorate of Information (PID) canceled the press accreditation cards of 118 journalists, as stated by the chief information officer on November 7. This decision was announced in an order signed by Nizamul Kabir.
Among the journalists whose press accreditation cards have been canceled are individuals holding various positions, including editors, deputy editors, and reporters.
Previously, the Directorate of Information canceled the accreditation cards of 20 journalists on October 29 and 29 more on November 5, 2024.
In total, the current interim government, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Mohammad Yunus, has canceled the press accreditation cards of 167 journalists across three phases.
In the third round on November 7, notable figures whose press accreditation cards were canceled included Channel I Director Oberta Pradhan Saikh Siraj, Gazi TV Head of News Iqbal Karim Nishan, Daily Yugantar Editor Saiful Islam, Daily Kalbela Editor Santosh Sharma, Associated Press (AP) Dhaka Bureau Chief Julhas Alam, UNB Adviser Samadak Farid Hossain, Bangladesh Journal Editor Sahajan Sardar, Global TV Editor-in-Chief Syed Ishtiaq Reza, SA TV Head of News Mahmood Al Faisal, Independent TV News Chief Mamun Abdullah, and Daily Janakantha Editor-in-Chief M. Samsur Rahman.
The journalists whose cards were canceled in the first round on October 29 included former Director General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh Zafar Wazed, former Press Minister of the Bangladesh High Commission in New Delhi Shaban Mahmud, Ekatar TV Editor-in-Chief Mozammel Haque and Special Correspondent Farzana Rupa, WomenNews24.com Editor and Publisher Farida Yasmin, The Daily Observer Editor Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Bhorer Kagaz Editor Shyamal Dutta, Bangladesh Pratidin Editor Naeem Nizam, ABnews24.com Editor-in-Chief Subhas Chandra Singh Roy, freelance journalist Syed Borhan Kabir, ATN News Chief News Editor Munni Saha, Amadershomoy.com Editor-in-Chief Naeemul Islam Khan, Ekatar TV Head of News Shakil Ahmed, Daily Dhaka Times Editor Mohammad Arifur Rahman, former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of BSS Abul Kalam Azad, freelance journalist Mithila Farzana, Baisakhi TV News Chief Ashok Chowdhury, and DBC News Editor Pranab Saha.
In the second round on November 5, those affected included TV Today Editor-in-Chief Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Daily Kaler Kantha Editor Imdadul Haque Milan, News 24 Television Head of News Rahul Raha, ATN News Head of News Nurul Amin Prabash, Daily Destiny Deputy Editor Sohail Haider Chowdhury, DBC News Editor-in-Chief Mohammad Manjurul Islam, Somoy Television CEO Ahmed Zobair, Dainik Jagaran Editor Abed Khan, Nagrik TV Editor-in-Chief Deep Azad, ATN Bangla Chief Executive Editor Zahirul Islam Mamun (Jay Mamun), BSS Deputy Chief News Editor Omar Farooq, Dainik Aam Ekhonomiya Senior Executive Editor Masuda Bhatti, Baisakhi TV Chief News Editor Saiful Islam, DBC News Assignment Editor Nazneen Nahar Munni, Independent TV Chief News Editor Ashish Ghosh Saikat, Daily Bangla Acting Editor Chowdhury Zafarullah Sharafat, Daily Bangladesh Bulletin Editor Rafiqul Islam Ratan, My TV Chairman Nasir Uddin, RTV CEO Syed Ashiqur Rahman, Ekushe TV Head of Input Akhil Kumar Poddar, Gazi TV Editor of Research Anjan Roy, and Daily Bhorer Kagaz News Editor Ikhtiyar Uddin.
These sweeping cancellations have stirred significant concerns regarding press freedom, potentially hindering journalistic independence and raising alarms over the government's adherence to democratic norms and constitutional guarantees of free expression.
*********************************************************************************************
No comments:
Post a Comment