Security force's 'intrusion' into media outlets

The Editors' Council has expressed deep concern over what it described as unwarranted intrusion by security forces into media organisations, warning that such incidents send a negative message ahead of the upcoming election.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Editors' Council said it had observed "a visible laxity on the part of state forces and the government in ensuring the safety of media professionals and institutions" - even during the tenure of the interim government.

"The behaviour of state institutions in this regard has become more evident in the run-up to the election."

Referring to a recent incident, the Council said, "The intrusion of army personnel into the office of a registered digital media outlet on 7 February is a troubling example." It added that if there had been any irregularities in the organisation's activities or news reporting, "the expectation was that appropriate legal measures would be taken."

The Editors' Council noted that it had been hearing from the government, the army chief and heads of various state agencies over the past 18 months about efforts to restore the image of state security institutions, which had been damaged during the previous regime. "However, incidents of this nature in the media have sent a negative message to ordinary voters and media professionals ahead of the election."

At the same time, the Council believed that in some cases digital and multimedia journalism had created an environment lacking accountability. "Taking advantage of this, certain unrecognised entities are spreading misinformation, which is undermining the overall environment for a fair election."

"In this context, the Editors' Council calls on the government, security forces, and all media professionals to play their respective roles responsibly," it added.

The statement was signed by Editors' Council President Nurul Kabir and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud.

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