DSA blamed for fear among journalists - newagebd.net

The Digital Security Act has created a frightening situation for reporters, compelling them to practise self-censorship instead of free journalism, said journalist leaders and editors.

They gave the opinion when asked about a comment made by information and broadcasting minister Hasan Mahmud who on Wednesday said that if a journalist became scared himself the government had nothing to do about that.

Manabzamin editor and also Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh treasurer Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said that a scary situation was created so that none could write against corruption and misuse  of power.

He said that reporters in districts could not write reports against corruption for fear of prosecution and attacks, adding that many reporters cannot even stay in their areas.

He said that the DSA was one of the major causes of self-censorship and journalism was facing a difficult challenge due to this reason.

'The future of journalism is dark if such situation prevails in the country,' he said.

He blamed a section of reporters also for their political affiliation, who decide not to report on some topics. He, however, denied any pressure from the media owners.

'Free journalism is not possible with the DSA in existence,' he said.

Editors' Council (Shampadak Parishad) general secretary, and also Bonik Barta editor, Dewan Hanif Mahmud said that the DSA has created threats to freedom of expression and pressure on free journalism.

The law, he said, has been widely used against journalists since it was enacted despite strong protests from the Editors' Council.

'The Editor's Council made repeated protests and held a rally against the law when it was drafted as we feared that it would harm free journalism,' he said.

Now the ministers also endorse the misuse of the law, he said.

He further expressed concern over some draft laws like the 'Data Protection Act' that might further curb the space for journalists in free reporting.

Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (faction) president M Abdullah said that a frightening situation was prevailing across the country and journalists were not immune.

The government has long been using the DSA against journalists to create a situation of fear, he said.

'We reject the minister's [Hasan Mahmud's] "ridiculous statement" while journalists are being targetted to be assaulted in different ways across the country,' he said.

If journalists are attacked and tortured for their journalistic work, he further said, they do not get justice.

However, president of the BFUJ other faction Omar Faruque said that not the government but the

editors and media house owners were barriers to free journalism.

'There is no barrier from the government to free journalism,' he said.

He said that media owners were using their media outlets to protect their other businesses and receive facilities from the government.

Reporters are scared of media owners and management lest they are sacked for brave reporting amid limited job opportunities.

'I think the minister has depicted the correct situation,' he added.

He promised that the BFUJ would stand by any reporter if harassed for reporting against irregularities.

Dhaka Reporters' Unity president Nazrul Islam Mithu said that reporters' freedom were hampered for two reasons — the legal framework and reporters themselves.

Though the constitution, he explained, gives the right to free speech and free thinking laws are mostly against it.

'A legal framework with good political intention is needed for a free media,' he said.

Reporters, he further said, influenced by politicians in many cases become party activists, a practice which should end.

'Politicisation of journalists harms not only journalism but also the state,' he said, demanding the creation of free spaces for journalists.

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