Dsa cases against journalists: This shows space for free press shrinking

Prof Serajul Islam Choudhury

Dhaka University Professor Emeritus Serajul Islam Choudhury has said what is being done to the Prothom Alo editor and reporter shows that the space for press freedom is shrinking in the country.

Terming the recent incidents involving them "unfortunate, unexpected and shocking", he said journalists would take a message from the incidents and start practicing more self-censorship.

He said the Digital Security Act is curbing the freedom of the media and it should be scrapped immediately.

"This law is being misused. Any individual is filing a case under the DSA and journalists are being arrested. In some cases, we are seeing people being held before filing of cases."

Political parties who ruled the country since the country's independence were afraid of public opinion and that's why they tried to make sure that no public opinion is built against them, said Prof Serajul, also a political analyst.

He said if anyone is harmed by the media, the person can go to the Press Council for redress.

Journalists should take a united stand against curbing of press freedom, the DU teacher said, adding that political parties should also come forward to ensure freedom of press.

He said many owners of media outlets only try to ensure their business interests and that's why they don't speak against gagging of press freedom.