EU diplomats call for 'full protection' of journos ahead of next polls
Seven European diplomats today called for the "full protection" of journalists ahead of the next general election.
The call came as they called on Law Minister Anisul Huq at the ministry.
EU Ambassador to Bangladesh Charles Whiteley led the delegation to the meeting. Ambassadors of Denmark, Italy, Netherlands, Germany, Spain and France were present.
An exchange was held among the ambassador and the minister on an array of issues including the draft Digital Security Act, draft Data Protection Act, draft anti-discrimination law, civil society and freedom of religion, Whiteley tweeted after the meeting.
A meeting insider said the European ambassadors wanted to learn about the progress of the amendments to the Digital Security Act (DSA) and the status of the draft data protection act.
"We want full protection of the freedom of media and civil society ahead of the national elections. Therefore, making necessary amendments to the related laws is necessary," the source said citing the ambassadors.
Law Minister Anisul Huq told the ambassadors that the journalists will not be arrested under the DSA.
The diplomats also discussed sending election observers to Bangladesh. The minister said the government welcomes the observers.
Meanwhile, Law Minister Anisul Huq told reporters that there is no foreign pressure on the government over the upcoming national election.
"If foreigners want to know (about election), we don't mind telling them about it as we do not do politics of killings or lies. We don't hide anything, so we have no objection and no hesitation to let the diplomats know about it," he said after the meeting, reports UNB.
The minister said the government will not listen to anyone's advice about the country's internal affairs as it is an independent nation.
"We will do whatever is good for the citizens of the independent state," he said.
Asked if there was any discussion on participatory elections, the minister said, "We want a participatory election. We want everyone to take part in the election. I can also say that there is no question that the upcoming elections in Bangladesh will be free and fair."
"We will not go outside the constitution. The election will be held in the way mentioned in the constitution. We want all the political parties of Bangladesh to take part in the election. But who will take part in the election and who will not is up to the political parties," he said.