Dhaka: A new policy on accreditation cards for journalists will be published within a week, Chief Adviser’s Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder announced today. He disclosed this development during a media briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in the capital.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Azad stated that a committee has been established to formulate the policy on accreditation cards for journalists. Under the guidance of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the committee will propose measures necessary for fostering free journalism. Following the committee’s recommendations, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, along with journalist representatives, will finalize the new policy.
Azad highlighted that several sections of the 2022 accreditation policy contain provisions deemed objectionable. As a result, the committee will recommend the cancellation of these sections. The existing policy’s requirement for promoting government development work contradicts free and independent journalism, and thus, its removal will be advised.
He further noted that the current policy mandates journalists to inform certain government agencies when traveling abroad, a stipulation he described as “extremely insulting.” This requirement is also set to be recommended for cancellation. Additionally, the provision for issuing cards according to a circular will be abolished.
The deputy press secretary elaborated that the new policy will allocate accreditation cards to 30 percent or a maximum of 15 journalists per news outlet. Regarding freelance journalists, the policy recommends eligibility for those with at least 20 years of experience in journalism or those involved in journalism rights advocacy.
Previously, the principal information officer was responsible for issuing accreditation cards. However, moving forward, a committee comprising various organizations, including journalists, will make the final decisions. Journalists who do not receive a card can appeal to an appeal board, which will include national newspaper editors and judges.
For district-level journalists, a recommendation will be made to facilitate card issuance from the districts. The new policy will replace the previous system of issuing permanent and temporary cards with a single type of card, valid for three years.
Azad clarified that under the new policy, the principal information officer could only cancel accreditation cards if a criminal case was involved. Now, a journalist’s card will not be canceled until a verdict is reached against them. However, if a final chargesheet is filed, the committee will suspend the journalist’s card.
He also mentioned that the cards of 167 journalists have been canceled, with only 7 applying for reconsideration. Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam and Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad were also present at the briefing.