Dhaka, December 29, 2024 – The Editors’ Council issued a strong condemnation in response to the recent suspension of journalists’ accreditation cards and access to the Secretariat. In a statement released today, the council highlighted that such measures constitute a significant threat and obstacle to independent journalism.
On December 27, 2024, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order via press release, announcing the suspension of journalists’ access to the Secretariat using their accreditation cards. This decision was prompted by security concerns following a fire incident at the Secretariat. The order specified that the suspension would remain in effect until further notice.
The following day, December 28, the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing expressed regret over the new restrictions on journalists’ access. Their statement acknowledged that, due to heightened security needs at the Secretariat, which serves as the administrative hub, entry for journalists using existing accreditation cards, as well as all other non-government passes, had been curtailed.
Further developments were reported on December 29, when the Department of Information released a press note indicating that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is actively reassessing the accreditation cards. The note announced that both permanent and temporary accreditation passes would be reissued soon, with temporary passes for journalists to be available starting from December 30.
While the Editors’ Council welcomed the initiative to review and update the accreditation cards, it pointed out the potential for collaboration to better identify unprofessional journalists. However, the council criticized the blanket restriction on journalists’ access, describing it as an attack on independent journalism perceived globally as regressive.
Moreover, the statement touched upon the recent legislative changes under the interim government. It noted that on November 7, 2024, the interim government decided to repeal the Cyber Security Act, and on December 24, 2024, the advisory council approved the draft of the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2024. The new ordinance, however, retains significant police powers, similar to those in the repealed act, under Sections 35 and 36, raising concerns about potential misuse of authority by law enforcement.
The Editors’ Council declared the cancellation of journalists’ accreditation cards and access to the Secretariat as unjustified and criticized the unilateral adoption of the new ordinance without stakeholder consultation as indicative of an authoritarian mindset. The council urged for steps to be taken to address these concerns based on the input from all relevant stakeholders and protested against the current restrictions on journalistic access.