The fundamental right of journalists and media organisations to operate independently without interference, censorship, or undue influence from the government, political entities, or other external forces is referred to as press freedom. It includes the freedom of expression as well as the right to access, gather, and disseminate information without hindrance or fear of retaliation.

Press freedom is necessary for a democracy to function and flourish because it acts as a check on power, promotes transparency and accountability, and allows citizens to make informed decisions. It enables journalists to investigate and report on public-interest issues, expose corruption, hold governments and public officials accountable, and provide a platform for a diverse range of voices and opinions.

Organisations such as UNESCO, Reporters without Borders (RSF), the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) and others advocate for and monitor press freedom around the world. These organisations develop frameworks and policies to promote and protect press freedom. The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948 includes freedoms of expression and the press as fundamental rights.

While best practices for press freedom vary by region, international standards, legal frameworks, and the work of advocacy organisations all play an important role in shaping and promoting press freedom around the world. Governments, civil society, and media organisations must collaborate to protect and strengthen press freedom in their respective regions and beyond.

While the concept of press freedom is universally valued, the specific practices and regulations surrounding it can vary across regions and countries. Here, we have compared regional and international best practices on press freedom.

To begin with, Europe has a strong tradition of press freedom. European countries consistently rank high in global press freedom indexes. The region's laws and institutions protect journalists' rights and independence. Freedom of expression and press are guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights, which is enforced by the European Court of Human Rights. Transparency, access to information, and journalist source protection are also laws in many European countries.

In North America, particularly in the United States and Canada, press freedom is protected by constitutional provisions and legislation. The United States Constitution's First Amendment guarantees press freedom by prohibiting the government from interfering with information distribution. The Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms guarantees freedom of expression and the press. However, concerns about the region's press freedom have been raised by issues such as declining media trust, corporate ownership, and government surveillance.

Although press freedom in Latin America has improved significantly in recent years, challenges remain. Some countries have enacted legislation to protect journalists' rights and ensure access to information. However, in some countries, violence against journalists, impunity for crimes against the press, and government control or influence over media outlets are still issues. When compared to other countries in the region, Costa Rica and Uruguay have stronger press freedom environments.

Press freedom in Africa is a mixed picture. Some countries, such as Namibia, Ghana, and South Africa, have relatively robust press freedom environments, with legal protections and independent media. However, other countries face challenges like government control, censorship, and violence against journalists. Lack of access to information and legal harassment are also prevalent in some regions, limiting journalists' ability to operate freely.

Asia's press freedom landscape is diverse, with notable variations across different countries. Countries like Japan and South Korea have strong traditions of press freedom, with independent media and legal protections. However, in countries like China and North Korea, press freedom is heavily restricted, and media outlets are often controlled by the State. Journalists face censorship, surveillance, and legal consequences for reporting on sensitive topics in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Other Asian countries fall somewhere in between, with varying degrees of press freedom protection.

When comparing Bangladesh's press freedom with other countries, it is important to note that press freedom rankings can vary depending on the source and methodology used. One widely recognised index that measures press freedom is the World Press Freedom Index published by Reporters Without Borders (RSF).

In terms of press freedom, Bangladesh has faced challenges. Journalists and media outlets in the country have endured assault, physical attacks, and legal constraints. Bangladesh was ranked 163rd out of 180 countries in RSF's 2023 World Press Freedom Index, a rise from its 2022 ranking of 162nd. The report expressed concern about the use of repressive laws to limit media freedom, such as the Digital Security Act, which has been criticised for suppressing free speech.

A number of incidents have been taking place in last few years in Bangladesh. According to International Press Institute (IPI)'s monitoring data from October 2022 to March 2023, journalists in Bangladesh continue to work in a hostile and dangerous environment, frequently facing physical attacks and threats, as well as judicial and legal harassment. During this six-month duration, IPI recorded at least 42 press freedom threats or violations, half of which were reported cases of physical, verbal, or online attacks on journalists.

If comparing Bangladesh to other countries, it is critical to consider a diverse range of nations from various regions and political contexts. The following countries are frequently used as comparison examples:

Norway consistently ranks highly in press freedom indexes. It is known for its robust legal protections and strong support for journalistic freedom.

Sweden also ranks among the countries with the highest press freedom. The country's legal framework, coupled with a tradition of open and transparent governance, contributes to a favorable environment for journalists.

United States has a strong tradition of press freedom, protected by the First Amendment of its Constitution. However, challenges such as attacks on journalists, polarisation, and declining trust in media have raised concerns in recent years.

Germany is recognised for its press freedom. The country has a diverse and vibrant media landscape, and legal protections safeguard journalists' independence.

China often ranks low in press freedom indexes due to strict government control over media and extensive censorship. The government tightly regulates and monitors media organisations, resulting in limited freedom of expression and information.

One of the most important steps towards freedom of press is to pass legislation that protects journalists and press freedom. Many states have "shield laws," which give journalists an absolute or qualified right to refuse to reveal their sources. A shield law protects both the journalist and their sources. Because there is no federal shield law in the United States, many activists are working toward this goal. In Bangladesh also, we should work for this kind of "shield laws" to protect press freedom. Individual citizens can help protect press freedom by staying informed about threats to press freedom and efforts to support free media. Supporting local newspapers is another way to stay informed and ensure that the issues that are most important to citizens are covered. For the sake of democracy, press freedom is a right that every entity in society must care about and commit to protecting.

The Writer is an Official Contributor, Law Desk, The Daily Star.