Law formulated for all citizens, not just journos: Info minister

Information Minister Hasan Mahmud yesterday said he would work to dispel journalists' concerns over the Digital Security Act.

“The law has been formulated not only for journalists, but for all citizens,” he said.

He was addressing a press meet arranged by Dhaka Reporters Unity on its premises in the capital.

The parliament, on September 19 last year, passed the much-debated Digital Security Bill ignoring concerns of journalists and rights defenders and keeping a harsh provision that allows police to search or arrest anyone without a warrant.

Sampadak Parishad (Editors' Council) has been expressing deep disappointment and concerns over the act and also demanding its amendment.

The council members formed a human chain on October 15, 2018 and demanded proper amendments to nine sections of the act within the last session of the 10th parliament for the sake of independent journalism and freedom of expression.

However, no amendment to the act has been made yet.

Addressing yesterday's programme, the minister said the overall welfare of journalists and ensuring media freedom would be his key objectives, reports BSS.

Mahmud said his ministry is prioritising a policy for online media to ensure responsible journalism.

The minister said work is underway to implement the 9th Wage Board for newspapers and news agencies but some more steps are required for declaring the wage hike of journalists and newspaper employees.

He said a cabinet committee was earlier formed as part of the process to implement the wage board recommendations but with the formation of the new government that committee now needs to be reconstituted with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's directives.

“The new cabinet committee would discuss the matter. We'll talk to leaders of the journalist community, possibly on January 23, and thereafter talks will be held with other stakeholders,” he said.

He also said reporters are the heart of the media.

The minister said everyone has the right to criticise the works of the government but “we expect the criticism to be constructive…”

On the 11th parliamentary polls, the minister said BNP faced a debacle due to its own fault. They could not work for the people; rather they stood against people, he said.

On the trial of journalists Sagar-Runi murder case, he assured that he would talk to concerned ministers over the matter.

DRU President Ilias Hossain gave the welcome speech and General Secretary Kabir Ahmed Khan conducted the programme.