Editors\\\' appeal to Chief Justice

Editors of national dailies Monday sought immediate intervention by the Chief Justice (CJ) of Bangladesh to help normalise the situation arising out of untrue allegations made against journalists by a section of senior lawyers.
In a joint statement, the editors said there has been an attempt to put the media and the judiciary face to face, which is detrimental to the freedom of press and the dignity of judiciary.
The editors drew attention of all concerned to an observation made by the appellate division comprising Chief Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed, Justice Muhammad Habibur Rahman and Justice ATM Afzal in a case in 1993 that the freedom of press is recongnised by the constitution. If it (media) criticises the court, it should be accepted, the observation said.
The statement also mentioned that the freedom of press had also been guaranteed by the article 39 (2) (kha) of the constitution.
The statement said: "The media firmly believes that being the guardian of the constitution, the Supreme Court will make efforts to uphold the article concerned of the constitution."
"We believe that the role of judiciary is very much important for the growth of democracy and the journalist community is aware of it. Mass media of Bangladesh believes in the freedom of judiciary. The freedom of press is equally important under democratic dispensation. And the media is determined to uphold that freedom," said the statement.
The editors said they were observing with deep concern that a rule has been issued against the editor and the joint editor of the Prothom Alo for writing a post-editorial asking them as to why they should not be punished on the charge of contempt of court.
Besides, the court issued Sunday rule upon two other newspapers -- Samakal, Naya Diganta -- charging them with contempt of court for publishing news on that issue, it said, adding the president and secretary of Dhaka Reporters Unity have also been summoned to appear before the count tomorrow (Wednesday) for giving statement to this effect.
Signatories to the statement are: Samakal Editor Golam Sarwar, the Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Manabzamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, News Today Editor Reazuddin Ahmed, Kaler Kantho Editor Emdadul Haque Milon, Bangladesh Protidin Editor Nayeem Nizam, The Financial Express Editor Moazzem Hossain, Naya Diganta Editor Alamgir Mohiuddin, Karatoa Editor Mozammel Haque, acting editor of Sangbad Khandaker Munirizzaman and Dainik Purbokone Editor Taslim Uddin Chowdhury.