Journalists protest bar on entry into SC courtrooms with black cloth over mouths

Journalists covering the Supreme Court have formed a human chain with black cloth tied over their mouths, protesting the ban on media entry into courtrooms. The demonstration was organised by the Supreme Court Reporters' Forum in front of the SC main gate on Sunday, May 3.

The protesting journalists demanded the immediate withdrawal of the ban on media access to the Appellate Division and various benches of the High Court Division, which has been in place for four months.

Speakers noted that a courtroom is a public place where judicial proceedings should be open to public scrutiny. Barring media access is not only a professional hindrance but also a violation of the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression guaranteed under Article 39 of the Constitution.

Journalist leaders said that media professionals had enjoyed unrestricted access to the Appellate Division for a long time. However, since Chief Justice Zubayer Rahman Chowdhury took office, an oral ban on journalist entry has been imposed.

They argued that ensuring media access to all public places, including courts, is a constitutional responsibility of the state to guarantee an unimpeded flow of information and a transparent judicial system. The forum demanded that no further obstruction be created in journalists' professional duties.

Forum President Masudur Rahman Rana, General Secretary Mehedi Hasan Dalim, and representatives from various media outlets spoke at the human chain. Former and current leaders and activists of the organisation, along with hundreds of journalists, participated in the event.