Dhaka: The interim government has firmly dismissed the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh’s (NOAB) observations regarding press freedom in the country. “We have gone through the remarks of NOAB in their recent statement regarding the state of media freedom and access to information. We strongly and unequivocally reject the insinuation that the Interim Government has been responsible for undermining freedom of expression or media independence over the past year,” said a statement issued by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing today.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the government emphasized that it has not interfered in the editorial, operational, or business aspects of any media organization since taking office. The statement highlighted the government’s exercise of exceptional restraint, even amid misinformation and politically motivated broadcasts, noting that the government has not resorted to censorship or filed complaints despite provocations.
The government also addressed claims of restricted access, affirming that journalists have consistently had open and direct access to the advisers of the interim government and special assistants of the Chief Adviser. The government maintained that no journalist has been denied interviews or briefings based on their outlet or editorial stance, reflecting a commitment to transparency.
In response to NOAB’s criticism of the reformed accreditation system, the government argued that the previous system was deeply flawed, with access passes misused by individuals lacking legitimate journalistic functions. The interim government replaced the faulty structure with a temporary pass system, ensuring continued access for bona fide journalists and restoring integrity to the accreditation process.
The government clarified that job losses among journalists resulted from editorial and strategic corporate realignment decisions by media owners, not government directives. Additionally, the interim administration reiterated its dedication to journalist safety, proposing a new “Journalists’ Protection Law” to enhance legal safeguards and reduce self-censorship.
The government called on NOAB to reflect internally and scrutinize the actions of its members regarding journalist welfare, wage exploitation, and working conditions. Emphasizing a hands-off approach during the transitional period, the government reiterated its commitment to freedom of expression as a lived principle, not merely a slogan.
The statement concluded with an invitation for all stakeholders to collaborate in preserving and enhancing transparency, safety, and freedom within Bangladesh’s media landscape.