Dr Rezwan Siddiqui speaks to DOT :
The Awami League promising freedom of the press in its election manifesto is something worth being mocked. We who are doing journalism are sensing badly how devastating the freedom of the media has been during the current government’s tenure. An editor of a major media outlet in an article wrote: “In the past, I used to write very often, but now don’t dare to.” Another editor wrote – There is no such atmosphere to write compared to that of the past.
The situation of the media in the country has reached such a level now. The government has enacted laws, one after another, to hinder the growth of journalism and its practice. The Digital Security Act is the toughest of all as yet. Now they say: those, who can issue a licence, can also revoke it.
Both electronic and print media are in their grip. Nothing can be printed or telecast opposing them. Some government officials still say one can speak one’s mind in talk-shows. But the reality is the other way around. This is just because of the law, which needs to be kept in mind while making comments in a talk-show.
Incidents of a talk-show guest being arrested occurred during the government’s current regime. So, Hasina-led government talking of the freedom of the media is so satirical. There is no reason for believing in the pledge. Numerous journalists have been assaulted by Awami League leaders and activists during the current government tenure. There is no stopping in this case as yet. They harass many journalists in parts of the country.
I reckon thing will become rather worse for the media if Awami League manages to retain power. We need to understand that freedom of the media will curb graft. This is because journalism is meant for unveiling irregularities, to let the society know. We want to write freely. We want to speak.
Based on an interview by Khairul Alam, Senior Journalist and translated by Sayeed Muhammad.
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