Editors' Council urges withdrawal of false, harassing' cases against journalists

The Editors' Council has called upon the new government to swiftly withdraw false and harassing cases filed against journalists since August 5, 2024.

The appeal was made in a statement issued on Wednesday, February 25, signed by Council President Nurul Kabir and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud.

The statement said numerous harassing cases, including false murder charges, have been filed against many journalists across the country since August 5. Many journalists remain imprisoned due to these cases, while others are compelled to regularly appear in court, severely disrupting their normal professional activities and undermining the independent environment of the media.

The Editors' Council noted that the interim government was repeatedly requested to withdraw these false and motivated cases and take effective measures to stop harassment. Although assurances were given to examine the cases and take necessary action, no desired progress has been made yet, the statement added.

If there are specific and proven allegations against any journalist, they should be resolved through existing law and transparent judicial process, the statement said. While proper investigation and legal proceedings are necessary in the interest of justice, harassing and motivated cases are unacceptable in any form, the organisation opined.

Calling upon the new BNP-led government to accord highest priority to the matter, the statement said ensuring media freedom and professional security is a fundamental commitment of a democratic state, reaffirming this expectation.