Speakers at a high-level consultation on 'Defending Media Freedom for Democracy and Citizen's Rights in Bangladesh' calls for protecting and promoting freedom of expression, safety of journalists, and right to information in Bangladesh.
US Ambassador in Bangladesh Earl Miller, Canadian High Commissioner Benoit Préfontaine, British High Commissioner Robert Chatterton Dickson, UN Country Resident Coordinator Mia Seppo, and Regional Director of ARTICLE 19 - Bangladesh and South Asia Faruq Faisel, among others, took part in the consultation, held on virtual platform.
Speaking the event, Mr Préfontaine mentioned that violation of freedom of opinion and expression, including attacks on and intimidation against journalists, are happening in many countries.
"Informed decisions can only be made with a strong and robust media," he added.
Mr Dickson stressed the need for engagement among journalists, civil society and the government to support the role of free media as well as to ensure that it is respected and maintained.
Additionally, capacity should be provided to the journalists to ensure that they are able to work in the best possible way, he added.
Mr Earl Miller said the US is always there for a free and independent media in Bangladesh.
"Journalists and free press help us learn the truth, sometimes unpleasant and disagreeable, but it makes our governments and societies better," he noted.
Ms Mia Seppo reiterated the UN Secretary General's message on the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes against Journalists.
"If we do not protect journalists, our ability to remain informed and make evidence-based decisions will be severely hampered."
"When journalists cannot do their work in safety, we lose an important defence against the pandemic of misinformation and disinformation," she added.
Mr Faruq Faisel said the culture of impunity and the Digital Security Act 2018 (DSA) in Bangladesh are stifling freedom of expression, and also acting as barriers to the functioning of independent media and promoting citizen's rights in the country.
ARTICLE 19 is committed to undertake a long-term advocacy campaign to promote the notion of media freedom and safety of journalists in Bangladesh, he added.
The Dhaka Declaration on Media Freedom, launched as a part of the online consultation, said media freedom is the cornerstone of democracy and essential to the protection of human rights and ensuring accountability.
"Media plays a role in countering disinformation, and the challenges to media freedom are global and have worsened during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in Bangladesh."
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