THE European Parliament (EP) on Thursday adopted a ‘non-binding’ resolution asking Bangladesh government to restore the full independence of the media. Earlier, the EP witnessed an intense debate on Bangladesh issues under a joint motion.
The EP expressed its concern at the ‘growing restrictions’ on freedom of expression, particularly of the media, which have accompanied the rise of religious fundamentalism, intolerance and extremist violence in the country, according to international and national news coverage. It urged Bangladesh authorities to drop all the charges against publishers and journalists who have published content critical of the government.
The EP also urged the government to allow the immediate reopening of all media houses which were closed, and to urgently fulfill the country’s commitments and apply the UN Plan of Action on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity endorsed in 2013. It condemned the increasing attacks by the self-professed ‘Islamist extremists’ on their alleged ideological opponents and foreign aid workers in Bangladesh. The non-binding resolution was adopted by 586 votes to 31, with 25 abstentions.
No member of the media or press should be sent to prison or arrested for any frivolous reason if they are doing their duty — which is to report the facts and state the truth. It is only when opinions are given in a maleficent or vindictive manner that anyone, including journalists, should be arrested and put behind bars. But arresting members of the press for no other reason except to harass or demean them should not form part of the actions of any responsible government – especially when the government prides itself in following democratic norms and processes.
For, these actions do not represent the actions of a responsible and sensible form of governance, more so under a democratic dispensation even if that claim may be flawed. It represents rather the way in which dictators have held sway over the press of their respective countries in an attempt to silence the opposition by any means. Dissent, so crucial towards the functioning of a democracy, cannot and should not be silenced in this manner.
What has to be said is that if democracy is not protected and judiciary remains uncertain about support for its independence then it does not mean much to talk about the press freedom in isolation. In our country, the curse is politicisation of the journalists. The important thing for us is to help to have democracy working. The European Union has been trying to help us in a wrong way talking about election only as democracy.
