By Maynul Hasan Sohel (Dhaka Bureau)
Journalists and other stakeholders have stressed the need to ensure journalists’ safety and security, as well as responsible journalism, ahead of the upcoming election. They said that while field-level risks increase for journalists during elections, legal complications, harassment, and uncertainty also rise. In this situation, they called for ensuring quick advice, legal, and other support for journalists. They also said that it is necessary for media outlets to develop their own guidelines or a guidebook for reporting on sensitive issues, including elections.
The remarks were made today (Sunday) at the Shafiqul Alam Auditorium of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) during the handover ceremony of a Journalist Support Desk, jointly organized by media and communication-focused organization Somosti and DRU. With support from UNESCO’s Global Media Defence Fund (GMDF), Somosti established the support desk under the project titled “Enhancing Legal Support System to Strengthen Media Protection”, in partnership with journalists and legal aid organizations. From now on, DRU will operate the desk.
The programme was chaired by Dr. Susan Vize, UNESCO Representative to Bangladesh, and moderated by Riaz Ahmed, editor of the Dhaka Tribune. Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, attended as the chief guest. Guests included Foyez Ahammad, senior assistant press secretary to the chief adviser; Sohrab Hasan, editor of Chorcha; Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, president of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists; and Md Shahidul Islam, president of Dhaka Union of Journalists. Mir Masruruzzaman, executive director of Somosti, spoke on the background and structure of the support desk. Others who spoke included DRU President Abu Saleh Akon; DRU General Secretary Mynul Hasan Sohel; GMDF Representative Lena Fox; Bangladesh Women Lawyers’ Association President Seema Jahur; National Press Club member Shahnaz Poly; Ain Seba Executive Director Sujay Chowdhury; CRAB General Secretary MM Badshah; and journalist Nadia Sharmin, among others.
Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, speaking as the Chief Guest at the event. Photo: Courtesy of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU)
Speaking at the event, Shafiqul Alam said the government has many shortcomings and those need to be criticized, but ensuring journalists’ safety is also a responsibility that relevant stakeholders must take. Referring to the risks journalists faced during the July movement, he said, ‘Six journalists were killed during the July movement. But their houses did not provide them with protective equipment.’ He added, ‘Those who did journalism on the frontlines did not receive basic safety measures. Yet they worked, they reported, they did journalism.’ He also highlighted the need to develop risk-reduction guidelines and a guidebook for journalists in Bangladesh, particularly to support ethical and well-prepared reporting.
Dr Susan Vize said the Journalist Support Desk is a timely and highly important initiative that will help journalists carry out their duties safely and professionally. She said ahead of the upcoming national election, journalists face increased workload and risk, and that it is crucial to present accurate, credible, and unbiased information during this period. ‘The advice can tell you about the law, the advice can tell you about your rights, and also about what you can do if you’re in a situation where there’s a challenge like this,’ she said, adding that launching the initiative before the election was well-timed. She also said the election is one where much of the population depends on journalists to understand what political parties are doing, what the referendum is about, and what political changes may potentially take place in the country, which is important for Bangladesh’s future.
DRU President Abu Saleh Akon emphasized unity among journalists, saying journalists must stand up against any form of oppression or harassment targeting them. He said journalists should rise above narrow divisions and stand beside any journalist in need.
Lena Fox said journalists around the world are facing growing legal harassment and security risks, and journalist support desks have emerged as an effective model to address such challenges. ‘In the context of Bangladesh, this initiative will ensure timely legal support for journalists, and UNESCO and GMDF will continue to support this effort moving forward,’ she said.
It was informed that through the support desk, journalists will receive prompt advice and necessary referral support if they face cases, legal complications, or harassment. DRU will operate the desk by coordinating with various journalist organizations and legal aid service providers, while Somosti will continue to provide the required technical support.
The Author:
Mynul Hasan Sohel Special Correspondent, The Daily Inqilab, Executive Editor (Honorary), Pressenza – Dhaka Bureau General Secretary, Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU)
