Free press for accountability
It is sad to see that there are attempts to gag the media and free press so that the media refrains from unearthing the misrule and corruption that plague our society.
Media reports say the government is contemplating reinstatement of the controversial Printing Presses and Publications (Declaration and Registration) Act 1973 to curb press freedom.
Free press is very essential for vibrating democratic rule and we all must protect the free press for the sake of our own freedom. Already the journalist community has expressed their deep concern over this matter.
Former caretaker government chief Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed scrapped this law in 1991 and it was acclaimed by all. Experiences say the rulers are always scared of free press as it deters them from doing whatever they like.
We cannot expect transparency and accountability to exist, if there is no free press. Restriction on publishing information and imposing censorship serve the purpose of an elite few.
When a free press is threatened, the rights of citizens are threatened. People are already frustrated with the lack of democratic norms in the country. We hope the incumbent government will refrain from doing anything that deters the ‘Fourth Estate’ from speaking for the people.
Rumana Sharmeen
Dhaka University
