FE REPORT
The journalists working on the Supreme Court (SC) beat formed a human chain on Sunday with black cloth tied over their mouths, demanding the immediate withdrawal of restrictions on journalists entering the SC courtrooms and ensuring access to gather news.
The programme, organised by the Supreme Court Reporters Forum (SRF) to mark the World Press Freedom Day, was held in front of the SC main gate.
Speaking at the event, the journalist leaders said for the last four months, media personnel have not been allowed to enter the Appellate Division courtrooms and several benches of the High Court Division.
They pointed out that courtrooms are public spaces where judicial proceedings remain open for public observation. Therefore, obstructing journalists from observing court proceedings and collecting news is not only a professional barrier, but also a clear violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed under Article 39 of the Bangladesh Constitution.
The leaders further said journalists had enjoyed unrestricted access to the Appellate Division courtrooms for decades to cover proceedings. Ensuring free flow of information and a transparent judiciary requires maintaining journalists' access to courts and all public places, ensuring which is a constitutional responsibility of the state and the administration.
They also urged the authorities not to create any obstacles in carrying out the professional duties of the SC journalists.
Among others, SRF president Masudur Rahman Rana, general secretary Mehedi Hasan Dalim, and Channel i Special Correspondent Mazharul Haque Manna addressed the programme.
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