Editors in a meeting Wednesday expressed their concern over the recently-announced National Broadcasting Policy as they fear it would hinder freedom of expression and free
flow of information.A statement issued by Chairman of the Editors' Council Golam Sarwar said the council believes that the government wants to control mass media through such steps. "The government's recent steps are contrary to the rights that have been guaranteed for the people and media by the constitution, and also the opportunities created after the enactment of the Right to Information Act," the statement reads.
It will also weaken foundation of the country's democracy and create an impediment to the development of the mass media, the council said in its opinion, which came at a time when there have been flurries of criticisms in different other circles, too.
The council of editors, however, said they would welcome any internationally accepted rules and regulations which are recognized by the stakeholders, for the sake of creating an environment for responsible journalism and ensuring free flow of information.
At its meeting held at the Daily Star office in the capital, the council also condemned the police raid on the Inqilab office and arrests, alleged repression and attacks on the journalists across the country by the force.
Presided over by Golam Sarwar, editor of daily Samakal, the meeting was attended by Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, News Today Editor Reaz Uddin Ahmed, Daily Ittefaq Acting Editor Tasmima Hossain, Manab Jamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Dainik Karatoa Editor Mozammel Haq, Bhorer Kagoz Editor Shyamol Dutta, Naya Diganta Editor Alamgir Mohiuddin, Financial Express Editor Moazzem Hossain, Kaler Kantha Editor Imdadul Haq Milon, Bangladesh Pratidin Editor Naim Nizam, Jugantor Editor Saiful Alam, Editor of daily sun Amir Hossain, Dainik Sangbad acting editor Khandaker Moniruzzaman, Alokito Bangladesh editor Shajahan Sardar and Independent Editor M Shamsur Rahman.
The council also expressed its deep shock at the death of veteran journalist ABM Musa and former editor of The Independent Mahbubul Alam.
