The Editors’ Council has expressed deep concern over a newly added clause in the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, warning that it may create doubts about freedom of the press.
The clause could significantly restrict citizens’ right to free expression and limit press freedom which is a matter of serious concern, the council said in a statement signed by its president Mahfuz Anam and general secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud.
The scope for misuse of such a clause is high and it is not expected from the interim government to introduce such sweeping restrictions, the Council said.
“The addition of a provision that creates scope for potential misuse is not expected from the interim government.”
“The application of such a clause could significantly narrow the space for public expression and press freedom in the country,” the statement read.
The concern came following the issuance of a gazette by the interim government on May 11 before the Awami League was declared a banned organisation on May 12.
According to the gazette, a new clause has been added to sub-section (1), clause (ঙ) of section 20(b) of the Anti-Terrorism Act 2009 (Act No. 16 of 2009).
The new clause prohibits the publication or printing of any press release, and any form of campaign via mass media, online platforms, social media, or any other medium as well as organising rallies, meetings, press conferences, or public speeches on behalf of or in support of a declared entity, it said.
The council called for the immediate suspension and reconsideration of the clause.