The Editors’ Council has voiced concerns over a new initiative to implement stronger media security laws, which was initially started by the deposed Awami League regime.
This proposed law aims to introduce various measures to protect journalists and media organisations. The law will include some provisions that resemble those of the previous government’s initiatives.
The Ministry of Information, along with various organisations, has sought feedback from stakeholders, including the Editors’ Council, on this matter, reads a press release issued Wednesday.
In response, the Editors’ Council stated that such trends reflect the previous government’s mindset and an infringement on the freedom of the press.
The council expressed concerns about the potential return of unilateral policies and interference with press freedom, urging that such actions should be avoided to safeguard the integrity of independent journalism.
The release added, “We [Editors’ Council] firmly believe that these tendencies reflect the mindset of previous regime and should not be repeated.”
Meanwhile, the issue surrounding a controversial image of a police officer allegedly restraining a student’s face during a student protest has raised significant concern.
The image, which was widely circulated on social media, was initially claimed by the police to be AI-generated or created using artificial intelligence (AI). However, further verification by multiple reliable media sources confirmed that the image was authentic.
The Editors’ Council clarified that council members are fully aware of AI technology and its implications. The council emphasised that when AI-generated images or content are used in any media, it is clearly mentioned in the content to ensure transparency.
On August 28, a public meeting of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) was held, during which a group of individuals attempted to create chaos by inciting a mob.
The incident was condemned by the DRU, and they issued a statement opposing such behavior. The Editors’ Council expresses solidarity with DRU’s position and condemns the actions of the mob instigators.
