The Editors` Council has voiced strong concern over the arrest and imprisonment of journalist Md Rezanur Islam, describing the incident as a serious setback for press freedom and freedom of expression in Bangladesh.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the organisation condemned the detention of the acting editor of Dainik Agrayatra Pratidin, who was jailed in connection with a case filed over a news report involving State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam.
The council said the arrest runs counter to commitments made in the BNP`s election manifesto and its proposed state reform agenda, both of which emphasise the protection of media independence and free speech.
According to the statement, Bangladesh already has legal and institutional avenues for addressing complaints related to published reports. Individuals who feel aggrieved by media coverage can seek redress through the Press Council or pursue remedies under existing laws.
The Editors` Council expressed particular concern that a journalist had been arrested and sent to jail over a complaint filed by another journalist, calling the development troubling for the country`s media environment.
The organisation noted that journalists had previously faced lawsuits, arrests and various forms of harassment over their reporting and warned against the continuation of such practices.
It said criminal proceedings against journalists for news reports could create fear within the media industry, undermine independent journalism and negatively affect freedom of expression.
The council also cautioned that incidents involving the arrest of journalists could further damage Bangladesh`s image regarding media freedom and attract international scrutiny.
Demanding the immediate release of Rezanur Islam, the Editors` Council urged authorities to ensure that disputes over news content are resolved through established legal and professional mechanisms rather than through arrests and imprisonment.
The statement was signed by Editors` Council President Nurul Kabir and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud.
