Currently, Bangladesh’s interim government has taken such action that the Bangladeshi government temporarily deprived journalists of accreditation cards for fear of insecurity. This decision, made by the Home Ministry on Friday, virtually prevents journalists from visiting the Bangladesh Secretariat, the office complex that accommodates most ministries, divisions, and offices in the Segunbagicha area of Dhaka.
The Home Ministry press release reads: “All access to the Secretariat through the accreditation cards sought and granted in favor of journalists is suspended till further orders.” The action has, therefore, raised eyebrows on freedom of the press in the cash-strapped nation, especially at this politically sensitive time.
This development took place recently after political instability in Bangladesh. After eight weeks of protests and bloodshed claimed over 600 lives, the students rebelled against the ruling and forced Sheikh Hasina out of her premier seat on August 5. Hasina, 76, escaped to India, and an interim administration headed by the Nobel Prize winner Muhammad Yunus was established to strengthen the country’s government.
Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s office said that the restrictions have been imposed in view of the recent fire at the Secretariat, a KPI. “The restriction of journalists’ movement in and around the Secretariat was made based on the security of the KPI,” said a statement by the Chief Adviser’s office issued on Saturday.
The government intends to review the accreditations. “Current press cards’ owners will have to go through the process of their cards being reassessed, new applications will be accepted, including from local and foreign media,” the statement said. Meanwhile, a form of daily temporary cards will be provided by respective ministries in case of press events.
It also regretted the inconvenience that the government had occasioned on the fourth estate members, which it called upon to support its efforts. However, the decision has caused concern among the general public with many criticizing the press for not playing a vigorous watchdog role as the government goes about implementing this critical transitional measure.
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