The decision to restrict journalists from entering Supreme Court courtrooms is deeply concerning and warrants immediate reconsideration.
Since January 7, journalists have reportedly been denied access to various courtrooms, including the Appellate Division, preventing them from directly observing proceedings and reporting on cases of immense public importance.
The judiciary is one of the most important pillars of a democratic state, and its legitimacy depends not only on the fairness of its decisions but also on public confidence in the process through which those decisions are reached.
Open court proceedings are therefore an essential mechanism of transparency and accountability.
The media serves as the bridge between institutions and citizens. Most people cannot attend court proceedings themselves, nor can they scrutinize complex legal arguments and judgments -- they depend on journalists to accurately convey what happens inside courtrooms.
Preventing journalists from witnessing proceedings first-hand inevitably weakens that process, and risks creating unnecessary suspicion about what is taking place behind closed doors.
This is particularly troubling at a time when Bangladesh is attempting to strengthen democratic institutions and restore public faith in the rule of law.
The country has already experienced the damaging consequences of restrictions on press freedom, with journalists facing intimidation, attacks, and other forms of pressure in recent years.
Security and administrative concerns can certainly justify reasonable rules governing courtroom access. However, such measures must be transparent, proportionate, and consistent with constitutional principles.
A blanket or prolonged restriction on journalists cannot become the default solution.
The Supreme Court should, therefore, engage constructively with the protesting journalists and establish clear guidelines that protect both courtroom decorum and media access. Restoring journalists' access would not amount to conceding to pressure; rather, it would demonstrate confidence in the judiciary and its proceedings.
An open justice system should have nothing to fear from scrutiny. If Bangladesh is serious about strengthening democracy, transparency inside its highest court must be treated as a principle.