Dhaka: The Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing press freedom globally, highlighting the significance of an enabling environment for effective media work. The Diplomatic Network of the Media Freedom Coalition in Bangladesh expressed appreciation for the government’s commitment to strengthening press freedom and recognized the crucial role of independent media in tackling misinformation and disinformation in the digital age.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the MFC emphasized that effective media work is contingent upon a supportive legal framework, financial sustainability, and freedom from undue influence. This was articulated during the commemoration of World Press Freedom Day on May 3 in Bangladesh. The MFC Bangladesh remains dedicated to collaborating with the government, along with public institutions, private sectors, and international partners, to enhance the rights, safety, and independence of journalists and media workers across the nation, as per the statement issued.
Signatories of the statement include Australia, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kosovo, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom. World Press Freedom Day serves as a reminder to governments to honor their commitment to press freedom and encourages media professionals to reflect on issues of press freedom and professional ethics.
Furthermore, this day symbolizes support for media that face restrictions or the threat of press freedom abolition. It also serves as a day of remembrance for journalists who have lost their lives pursuing stories.