Picking up of journos creates atmosphere of fear for media: TIB chief

Picking up of journos by Army creates atmosphere of fear for media: TIB chief

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has described the late-night picking up of 21 media workers from newsroom as an atmosphere of fear in the country’s media landscape.

TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman made the remarks at a press conference titled "Referendum and pre-election situation: TIB's observations" held at the organisation's office on Sunday (February 8).

"I express my strong protest and grave concern over this incident. Taking all employees of an institution late at night without any specific allegation is completely unacceptable," he said.

Iftekharuzzaman questioned, "Can army officers carry out such an action without approval from the highest authority? If they can, then where does the army's command and control stand?"

Commenting further, Iftekharuzzaman said, "Whatever the justification, this is an extremely negative and coercive precedent for free journalism in Bangladesh. If there is any objection to a news report, there are proper legal and institutional mechanisms to address or protest it. But abducting employees in such an authoritarian manner, even if they were later released, still sends a very harsh message."

He added that the incident is not just alarming for the concerned media outlet, but has created an intensely intimidating environment for the entire media landscape of Bangladesh.

Iftekharuzzaman urged the army and all other agencies to refrain from such actions and emphasised the need to find ways to ease the growing pressure on free media in Bangladesh.

His remarks came following reports that the army conducted an operation at the office of online news portal, Bangladesh Times in Nikunja last night.