Global standard to be followed: Arafat

Journos' access to central bank

FE REPORT | Published: May 04, 2024 22:37:17

A mechanism needs to be developed so that the Bangladesh Bank can provide information for journalists while protecting sensitive ones of the same, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad A. Arafat has said.
"We're exploring how central banks across the globe operate in this regard and how journalists' access is administered there. We'll try to address this following the global standards."
The state minister made the remarks while responding to a request to comment on the ban on journalists' access to the central bank.
He was speaking as the chief guest of a discussion organised by the Editors' Council at the National Press Club in the capital on Saturday to observe World Press Freedom Day.
The discussion was concentrated on the occasion's theme "A press for the planet: Journalism in the face of the environmental crisis".
The state minister also said that a move would be taken so that the media can use the Right to Information Act more effectively.
However, there is some sensitive information which cannot be shared such as the pass code of Bangabandhu Satellite, he mentions.
Editors' Council President and Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam chaired the session while editors of different dailies, senior journalists and rights activists, among others, were present on the occasion.
Mohammad A. Arafat further said that developed countries pollute the environment most while Bangladesh has been playing an active and leading role in the global arena.
Bangladesh's journalists are also playing a significant role for the sake of the country's environment, he said, adding that the government also wants to support journalists.
"We'll take measures to protect journalists," assured the state minister.
He, however, said professional journalists are under pressure due to the rise of unregistered media and journalists involved in wrongdoing.
"We believe in free journalism. We welcome constructive criticism always, but attempts to disseminate misinformation using the opportunity will not be accepted."
Speaking on the occasion, Mahfuz Anam said there are nine laws that can harass journalists but there is no supportive law or official directions.
"We hope the government would take initiatives to address the undemocratic move by the Bangladesh Bank."
He also said financial scams are taking place, which have been investigated by the Bangladesh Bank itself.
Regarding the environment, Mr Anam said there should be more training programmes for journalists to work on environmental issues.
In his address, Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) President AK Azad said journalists are facing serious troubles in the country, including low wage and external pressure.
Even two journalists of the Daily Samakal -- Goutam Das from Faridpur and Abdul Hakim Shimul from Sirajganj -- have been killed due to making reports on certain issues.
Highlighting on various problems, including legal issues, journalists are facing, Azad said journalists have resorted to self-censorship to save themselves.
"Is journalism a crime? Why should they become identified as criminals though they gather information for the sake of people."
Currently, there are nine laws and three others are on the cards that can make journalists face legal issues in Bangladesh, the NOAB chief adds.
Referring to corruption taking place in public and private organisations, he said journalists were harassed while reporting on those issues.
"Recently, journalists have been banned from entering the Bangladesh Bank without permission. In the current situation of the banking sector, such a move will only encourage bank defaulters."
Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) Chief Executive Syeda Rizwana Hasan lauded journalists for their roles to reveal the truths.
"When a journalist covers any issues related to public interest it gets special attention though there are many entities working in this regard."
However, unfortunately journalists face harassment from vested quarters while covering news on the issues like environment protection, she said.
National Press Club General Secretary and Daily Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta said some newspapers nowadays give increased importance to the environment protection-related news.
However, many corporates who are responsible for the environment pollution own media houses of all formats, including dailies and television, creating hardly any scopes for publishing news against them.
Editors' Council General Secretary and Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud moderated the discussion.
Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, Dhaka Tribune Editor Zafar Sobhan and Inqilab Editor AMM Bahauddin, among others, were present.
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