Editors’ Council on Sunday expressed grave concern over the security threat against Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta and the issuance of a warrant for his arrest in a defamation case.
In a statement issued after a meeting held at The Daily Star Centre in the city, it also voiced worries at the frequent issuance of arrest warrants and summons against editors and reporters, especially those working at the district level, mostly on flimsy grounds.
The council observed that different agencies have been calling editors and reporters in recent times seeking explanations for published news items.
Mentioning that such practice goes against the freedom of press, the editors demanded an immediate end to it.
The statement was issued by Samakal Editor Golam Sarwar, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Dainik Ittefaq acting Editor Tasmima Hossain, News Today Editor Reazuddin Ahmed, Sangbad acting Editor Khandaker Muniruzzaman, Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta, Bangladesh Protidin Editor Nayeem Nizam, Dhaka Tribune Editor Zafar Sobhan, Bonikbarta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Financial Express Editor AHM Moazzem Hossain, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, Daily Nayadiganta Editor Alamgir Mohiuddin and Kalerkantho Editor Imdadul Haq Milon.
A Rajshahi court has recently issued a warrant for the arrest of the vernacular daily editor in a defamation case filed against him in 2016 for allegedly publishing a false news report on Workers Party General Secretary Fazle Hossain Badshah.
