Defending press freedom

It is good to know that the Editors' Council has expressed its deep concern over threats to freedom of the press and likely infringement of the free flow of information as a result of the much talked-about national broadcast commission.
It need not be mentioned that trying to gag the press has never proved beneficial to any regime in any part of the world. It has either hastened the downfall of the regime or at least made it unpopular. In fact, the free press helps the government in finding out its lacking and shortcomings. So, instead of attacking the free press, it should be nurtured to flourish in a constructive manner. Recently, law enforcing agencies conducted a raid in the office of the daily Inqelab newspaper. This is an alarming sign.
As a conscious citizen I have a hunch that some people in the government are misguiding the leaders so that they can hide their misconduct, corruption and misrule. The government can introduce a mechanism in consultation with all stakeholders to frame an acceptable guideline for the press instead of directly curtailing its freedom.  Our constitution guarantees the rights of all citizens to receive information. I hope the journalist society of the country will get together against any undue attempt to gag the voice of the press.
Masud Rana
Dhanmondi, Dhaka