Speakers at a discussion marking World Press Freedom Day emphasized that ensuring the safety of journalists is essential for maintaining independent and accountable media.
They said that without ensuring journalists’ safety, the independence of the media would be undermined and could be significantly weakened.
The views were expressed at a discussion programme titled “Rebuilding Trust in Media for Independent and Accountable Journalism”, organized by Somosti to mark World Press Freedom Day. Speakers said that ensuring journalists’ safety in the interest of public welfare is the responsibility of the government, media organizations, journalist associations, and civil society alike.
The programme was attended by Managing Director of Somosti, Mir Masruruzzaman; Chorcha dot com Editor Sohorab Hasan, Chief News Editor of Channel i, Jahid Neowaz Khan; Managing Director of Bangladesh Manobadhikar Sangbadik Forum, Khairuzzaman Kamal; Assistant Editor, The Daily Jugantor, Shuchi Syed; Editor of Swadhin media, Sharmin Rinvi; Member of the National Press Club Management Committee, Shahnaj Pali; Special Correspondent of Ekattor TV, Shahnaj Sharmain; Senior Reporter of Bangladesh Affairs, Rita Bhowmik; Advocate of Bangladesh National Women Lawyers’ Association (BNWLA), Nigar Sultana; Advocate Mamunur Rashid Mamun; Director of Somosti, Rezaul Haque; and Coordinator of the programme, Jahidul Haque Khan.
Speakers said that when governments come to power, a section of journalists often faces political pressure. They described this as not being a healthy environment for journalism. Under such circumstances, the development of independent journalism becomes difficult. In this regard, they said that alongside journalist organizations, the government must also take responsibility.
They also raised the question of whether the government consistently acts responsibly towards journalists, suggesting that this issue remains open to debate.
Jahid Neowaz Khan said that after August 5, 2024, journalists have faced various forms of repression. At least 250 journalists have reportedly been victims of violence. He called for the current government to play an appropriate role in addressing this situation.
Khairuzzaman Kamal said that journalists work to uphold citizens’ human rights, and protecting journalists is a responsibility shared by all sections of society.
Shuchi Syed said that various forms of undue pressure on journalists weaken media independence, while in some cases, a lack of proper training and professional knowledge also threatens journalistic integrity.
Sharmin Rinvi said that media organizations sometimes create expectations that journalists are unable to fulfil, which may lead reporters away from journalistic ethics and standards.
Shahnaj Pali said that journalists are often given expectations by media institutions which they are required to fulfil, and in doing so, journalists sometimes deviate from principles of journalism. She stressed that ensuring professional safety for journalists, along with appropriate remuneration and related working conditions, is essential for accountable and independent journalism.