Insecurity for journalism

Democracy cannot thrive without free press. It is indeed a matter for worry that our country is becoming increasingly unsafe for journalism. It is bad for our country and its democracy. Free press is a prerequisite for any functioning democracy and without it, we cannot hope that democracy and the rights of people of any country would be established. We saw in the past that many powerful regimes failed because they were not tolerant towards a free press and thought it as an enemy of the ruling party. But the truth is free press works like an extra eye and ear of the government. Highhandedness of the law enforcing agencies is in fact a sign of deteriorating law and order situation in a society.

We all must ensure that the journalists can work in a free and fair environment so that the press can play its due role in our society. We must not forget that a free press is the cornerstone of a democracy.

Sakibul Alam

Gopibagh, Dhaka