Demand for Withdrawal of ‘False and Harassing’ Cases Against Journalists

The Editors' Council has demanded the swift withdrawal of false and harassing cases filed against journalists since 5 August 2024. The call was made in a statement signed on Wednesday by Council President Nurul Kabir and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud.

The statement said that after 5 August, numerous harassing cases, including false murder charges, were filed against many journalists in different parts of the country. As a result of these cases, some journalists remain imprisoned, while many others are required to appear in court regularly. This has created serious obstacles to the normal discharge of their professional duties and has undermined the free environment of the media.

The Editors' Council said it had repeatedly urged the interim government to withdraw these cases and take effective measures to stop harassment. Although the relevant authorities assured that the cases would be reviewed and false and motivated allegations withdrawn, the statement expressed disappointment that no visible progress has yet been made.

However, the Council also stated that if there are specific and evidence-based allegations against any journalist, those should be resolved through existing laws and a transparent judicial process. According to the organization, proper investigation of allegations and ensuring due legal process are essential in the interest of justice; but harassing and motivated cases are contrary to democratic practice.

The statement called on the BNP-led new government to consider the matter with the highest priority. Reiterating that ensuring media freedom and the professional safety of journalists is a fundamental commitment of a democratic state, the Editors' Council demanded prompt and effective action.

Media stakeholders believe that if the continued filing of cases and legal pressure against journalists persists, freedom of news reporting may shrink. Therefore, the issue is not only about individual harassment, but also concerns the broader democratic space and freedom of expression.