Journalists to hold sit-in on August 12 over Supreme Court entry restrictions

Journalists have announced a sit-in programme on August 12 demanding the withdrawal of restrictions on media access to the Supreme Court and urging the Chief Justice to ensure an unhindered environment for court reporting.

The decision was taken at a joint meeting of the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) and the Law Reporters Forum (LRF) held at the LRF office in the Supreme Court Bar Association building on Thursday.

The meeting was chaired by LRF President Muhammad Yasin and moderated by General Secretary Arafat Munna. DUJ President Md Shahidul Islam attended as the chief guest, while DUJ General Secretary Khurshid Alam was present as a special guest. Current and former LRF leaders, along with senior members, also addressed the meeting.

Speakers said journalists have been covering court proceedings, gathering information, and reporting from the Supreme Court for more than five decades under the tenure of 25 chief justices. They alleged that recent restrictions imposed on journalists' entry to the Supreme Court and several other courts are contrary to the constitutional right of the public to access information.

They argued that preventing journalists from entering courts would undermine transparency and accountability in the judiciary while limiting the public's right to be informed.

The meeting also decided to seek support from the Editors' Council, National Editors' Council, National Press Club, Dhaka Reporters Unity, and other journalist organizations to ensure the success of the August 12 sit-in programme.