Freedom of the press under severe attack: NOAB

The Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) has expressed concern that the freedom of the press in Bangladesh is facing a severe attack.

In a statement signed by NOAB President A.K. Azad, the organization voiced its deep concern over the ongoing assaults on the independence of the country’s media. The statement mentioned that these attacks are continuing in various forms.

The statement highlighted recent incidents where the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were targeted. 

It reported that for two consecutive days, some individuals attempted to create chaos by protesting in front of the main office of Prothom Alo in the capital’s Karwan Bazar area. 

However, law enforcement agencies dispersed the protesters. The statement further noted that similar activities were carried out again today.

NOAB believes that if anyone has an objection to the content or editorial policies of a newspaper, they should express their intellectual stance and opinions through writing, rather than attempting to create disorder. 

These efforts to disrupt the media environment are harmful to the practice of journalism.

Strongly condemning such actions, NOAB urged the government to take strict measures against "mob justice" (the act of unruly public groups taking justice into their own hands) in media houses and other institutions. 

The association also appealed to all concerned parties to refrain from any activities that go against the independence of the press.