The Editors' Council has expressed concern over a provision in the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, gazetted by the interim government on May 11, just a day before the Awami League’s banning.
They voiced their concern in a press release issued on Tuesday.
"The ordinance includes a clause—Clause (e) of Sub-section (1) of Section 20(b) of Act No 16 of 2009, which states, 'Any publication or printing of a press statement by the said entity or on its behalf or in its support, or any kind of publicity through media, online platforms, social media, or any other means, or the organization of any rally, public gathering, press conference, or public speech shall be prohibited.'”
The Editors’ Council warned that the application of this new clause in the ordinance may significantly restrict people's freedom of expression and media rights in the country.
There is room for misuse and the inclusion of such a clause in the ordinance is not desirable from the interim government, the council said.
It called for the immediate suspension and reconsideration of the clause.
