Insecurity of journalists

It is indeed disconcerting that our country is becoming increasingly unsafe for the journalists which is bad for the country and its democracy. Free press is an important prerequisite for any functioning democracy and without it we cannot imagine democracy and rights of the people to be established in a society. We saw in the past that many powerful regimes failed because they were not tolerant towards a free press and considered the same as their enemy.  Free press works like an extra eye for the government. I was shocked to read about the police brutality with the journalist Mizanur Rahman. It was more shocking that the victim was not only brutalised but also struck down with a number of false cases and is now languishing in prison.  The highhandedness of the law enforcing agency presents a sad picture of deteriorating law and order situation. The trust of the common people in the law enforcing agencies is all time low now.
I hope the Home minister will take urgent steps to form an investigation team so that they can unmask the culprits who tortured Mr. Mizan and bring them to justice. The government must ensure that the journalists work in a free and fair environment so that the press can play its due role.  We must not forget that a free press is the cornerstone of democracy.
Sakibul Alam
Gopibagh, Dhaka.