Press Council chief bats for journalist protection law

Bangladesh Press Council (BPC) Chairman Justice AKM Abdul Hakim has stressed the urgent need for enacting a dedicated law to protect journalists, amid rising concerns over unethical practices, misinformation, and political influence in the media landscape.

"We believe a journalist protection act will be enacted... I personally think there is a need for such a law," he said while addressing a training workshop at the BPC headquarters in the capital's Segunbagicha on Monday.

The BPC chairman noted that a media reform commission has already prepared a draft of the law, but the process of finalisation involves multiple stages.

He highlighted that while Bangladesh has nearly 1,600 laws, their enforcement and citizens' compliance remain a challenge -- an issue equally relevant for media professionals.

Referring to the Right to Information Act as an example, he urged journalists to be well-informed about and respectful toward existing legal provisions, as these tools could enhance transparency and accountability in their reporting.

As the head of a quasi-judicial institution, Justice Hakim said the BPC can adjudicate journalism-related issues, but habitual violators must be tried under relevant laws.

He also cautioned against the proliferation of journalist associations formed out of personal or political interests, which he sees as a barrier to maintaining professional standards.

During the session, Shamsul Huq Zahid, editor of The Financial Express and a council member, identified the unchecked rise of misinformation and disinformation via social media as a growing threat.

"Unlike mainstream media, social media platforms cannot be easily subjected to legal accountability," he said.

He stressed that while technological platforms have enabled the spread of false narratives, both journalists and the government share the responsibility to ensure factual and ethical journalism.

"Whatever the situation is, objectivity remains the heart of journalism," said Zahid, drawing from his five decades of experience.

BPC Secretary Md Abdus Sabur addressed the attending editors, saying they play a key role in upholding truth and objectivity in their newsrooms.

He pointed out that many journalists remain unaware of their professional code of conduct, while others knowingly ignore it.

"Editors don't need training; rather, they are the ones who must ensure the credibility of what their outlets publish," Sabur added.

The workshop was attended by over 20 editors of Dhaka-based newspapers, hosted as part of the council's ongoing initiative to counter yellow journalism and reinforce ethical standards in the media.