The Editors Council on Sunday strongly condemned the cancellation of journalists’ entry to the Secretariat, viewing it as a threat to press freedom.
The Ministry of Home Affairs on Friday issued an order through a press release suspending journalists’ access to the Secretariat.
The order said that due to the disruption of security following a recent fire at the Secretariat, the accreditation cards allowing journalists entry into the Secretariat are temporarily invalidated until further notice.
The Editors Council condemned this decision, terming it a threat and obstacle to free journalism.
It said such a measure is unprecedented and detrimental to independent journalism.
The council noted that on Saturday, the Press Wing of the Chief Adviser’s Office expressed regret over the situation. “It said journalists’ entry into the Secretariat has been restricted for security reasons, alongside other non-government pass holders.”
The government also said it plans to review the existing press accreditation cards soon.
“According to the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s press statement on Sunday, the accreditation cards are being reviewed, and new permanent and temporary accreditation cards will soon be issued,” the council mentioned. Journalists will be allowed to enter the Secretariat with temporary passes starting on Monday.
The Editors Council welcomed the initiative to review and reassess accreditation processes.
It also expressed willingness to cooperate in identifying professional and credible journalists.
However, it criticized the blanket restriction on journalists’ entry, which it believes attacks press freedom.
The council recalled similar situations under the authoritarian government of the Awami League, such as restrictions imposed on journalists during financial irregularities involving Bangladesh Bank.
Despite these obstructions, journalists remained committed to truth and accountability, contributing to public resistance, the council said.
Following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, demands for amending or repealing the Cyber Security Act gained momentum, it noted.
“On November 7, the interim government decided to repeal the act, and on December 24, the Cyber Security Ordinance 2024 was approved. However, the new ordinance still grants police similar powers, raising concerns among journalists.”
The Editors Council said misuse of police powers was a major issue of concern in the previous law and remains so in the ordinance.
It urged that issues in the draft Cyber Security Ordinance 2024 be resolved in consultation with all stakeholders.
The council further condemned the unjustified suspension of accreditation cards and restrictions on journalists’ entry to the Secretariat, terming it an authoritarian approach.
It called for necessary actions to address concerns raised in the draft ordinance while ensuring inclusivity and freedom of expression in governance.
