World Bank calls for shift in “culture of secrecy” to open up information channels
(Media Watch/IFEX) – The following is a 13 July 2002 Media Watch press release: Government’s “culture of secrecy” requires a 180-degree shift, says World Bank MEDIA WATCH: The World Bank has called for a total shift in the government’s “culture of secrecy” with regards to making information available to the public to ensure financial accountability […]
Journalist kidnapped, feared dead
(CPJ/IFEX) – In a 12 July 2002 letter to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, CPJ requested information about the status of the police investigation into the alleged kidnapping of Shukur Hossain, crime reporter for the Khulna-based newspaper “Anirban”. Hossain, who has been missing since 5 July, is feared dead. At around midnight (local time) on 5 […]
Publisher forced into exile; RSF condemns banning of opposition newspaper
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF condemns the government’s decision to withdraw the publishing licence of the opposition newspaper “Dainik Uttarabanga Barta”, just as the opposition has made a positive gesture by agreeing to sit in Parliament. “This affair newly discredits the commitments of Khaleda Zia’s government in support of press freedom,” said RSF Secretary-General Robert Ménard. In […]
One reporter kidnapped, another assaulted
(Media Watch/IFEX) – The following is a 6 July 2002 Media Watch press release: Reporter from Khulna daily Anirban kidnapped Shukur Ali (aged 30), a staff reporter with the local daily Dainik Anirban, was kidnapped by criminals from Dumuria on the night of 5 July 2002. Police said Dainik Anirban reporter Shukur Ali, son of […]
Newspaper’s licence revoked
(Media Watch/IFEX) – The following is a 5 July 2002 Media Watch press release: Newspaper declaration (licence) cancelled The deputy commissioner of Natore (one of the districts of northern Bangladesh) has cancelled the licence of “Dainik Uttarbanga Barta”, the only daily newspaper in the district. In an official order issued on 4 July 2002, District […]
RSF publishes report examining attacks on press freedom since Khaleda Zia’s government took office
(RSF/IFEX) – The following is a summary of RSF’s report on its recent mission of inquiry to Bangladesh, in which the organisation examined attacks on press freedom since Prime Minister Khaleda Zia’s government took office: Escalating Violence Threatens Press Freedom Status of the Attacks on Freedom of the Press Since Khaleda Zia Assumed Power RSF […]
Five journalists attacked within 48-hour period
(RSF/IFEX) – RSF and the Bangladesh Centre for Development, Journalism and Communication (BCDJC) have written a joint protest letter to Home Affairs Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury following recent attacks by members of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and police officers on five journalists. “In spite of statements made by the authorities at the highest […]
Editor-in-chief of daily newspaper gets jail sentence for contempt of court
(RSF/IFEX) – On 24 May 2002, RSF protested the one-month jail sentence imposed on Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, editor-in-chief of the daily newspaper “Dainik Manabzamin”, for contempt of court. “Sentencing a journalist to jail on the outdated and repressive charge of contempt of court sets a dangerous precedent for press freedom in Bangladesh,” said RSF Secretary-General […]
RSF condemns latest attacks on journalists by government supporters
(RSF/IFEX) – The following is an RSF press release: RSF and BCDJC condemn new attacks on journalists by government supporters Reporters Without Borders (Reporters Sans Frontières, RSF) and the Bangladesh Centre for Development, Journalism and Communication (BCDJC) protested today against new organised attacks on the media by government supporters, calling for them to stop and […]
Critically injured journalist missing from hospital
(Media Watch/IFEX) – A critically injured journalist is reportedly missing from the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH). He was admitted on 28 April 2002, early in the morning, after being severely beaten by thugs in the south-western district town of Kushtia on 27 April. Mizanur Rahaman Bhiza, staff correspondent of the local Kushtia daily, was […]
Journalists receive death threats, others attacked and injured
(Media Watch/IFEX) – The following is a 20 April 2002 Media Watch press release: Several journalists in Bangladesh have received death threats. A group of criminals attacked a journalist’s house. At least one journalist was injured and one fled with his family to save his life. 1. On 18 April 2002, a group of organised […]
Proposed media law criticised
(WAN/IFEX) – The following is a WAN and World Editors Forum (WEF) press release: Paris, 12 April 2002 For immediate release WAN, WEF Criticise Proposed Bangladesh Media Law The World Association of Newspapers and World Editors Forum have asked Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia to abandon a proposed law that would jail journalists who criticise […]
Journalists receive death threats, government plans to sue magazine
(Media Watch/IFEX) – The following is a 6 April 2002 Media Watch press release: 1. On 5 April 2002, terrorists threatened to kill M. A. Feroz and Latif Siddiqi, local journalists and members of the Gazipur press club. The individuals also threatened to blow up the Gazipur press club. A general diary was filed with […]
CPJ alarmed by government’s ban of foreign magazine
(CPJ/IFEX) – In a 4 April 2002 letter to Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, CPJ expressed its alarm over her government’s ban on the 4 April edition of the Hong Kong-based weekly “Far Eastern Economic Review”. The cover story of the edition, “Bangladesh: Cocoon of Terror,” described the country as besieged by “Islamic fundamentalism, religious intolerance, […]
Islamic movements threaten the press
(RSF/IFEX) – In a letter to Bangladeshi Interior Minister Altaf Hossain Chowdhury, RSF expressed concern over threats and pressure by leaders of Islamic movements against the independent media. “It is your duty to call to order political leaders of your ruling majority who violently threaten journalists,” said Robert Ménard, RSF’s secretary-general. “You should not be […]
Court rules against private television station
(Media Watch/IFEX) – The following is an 18 March 2002 Media Watch press release: Today, the High Court ruled that Ekushey Television’s (ETV) license is illegal. ETV is the first private TV station in the country operating for more than two years. The verdict was issued in response to a writ petition filed in September […]