Press Club decries Prothom Alo report, use of DSA
The Jatiya Press Club has expressed deep concern over the situation arising from "irresponsible and unprofessional journalism of Prothom Alo" while publishing a photocard containing an image of a child with comments from another person on Independence Day.
In a statement issued last night, it also expressed concern over the filing of cases and arresting of journalists under the Digital Security Act.
During a meeting of the club's managing committee yesterday, it was stated that such unprofessional and mala fide behaviour of a leading daily is not acceptable and is very unfortunate, said the statement.
"Responsibility is inextricably linked to the freedom of newspapers. Everyone expects responsibility from a newspaper like Prothom Alo," reads the statement.
At the same time, the committee expressed deep concern over the use of DSA against journalists.
The committee thinks that before using the DSA against journalists and the media outlet, the allegation that was raised should have been sent to the Press Council for assessment.
Amendments to a few sections of the DSA were requested. Taking special measures to stop misuse of the act was also urged.
It also strongly condemned the recent attack on journalists covering an iftar mahfil organised by the BNP.
Presided over by Jatiya Press Club President Farida Yasmin, the meeting was attended by General Secretary Shyamal Dutta, Senior Vice-President Hasan Hafiz, joint secretaries Md Ashraf Ali and Ayub Bhuiyan and other members of the committee.
Meanwhile, 26 teachers of Chittagong University yesterday condemned the "misleading and malicious report of Prothom Alo against the state".
"It is a condemnable and punishable offence," they said in a statement.
In another development, 18 socio-cultural organisations on behalf of "conscious civil society" yesterday protested the Prothom Alo report for what it said was insulting and ridiculing the country's independence.
"It is a heinous crime," said a statement.
Several organisations strongly demanded the government punish the culprits for the crime of treason subject to a proper investigation.
The organisations include Joy Bangla Sangskritik Oikya Jote, Awami Shilpigoshthi, Bangabandhu Lekhak Parishad, Bangabandhu Foundation and Bangladesh Writers Club.
Besides, 15 national cultural federations yesterday said disrespecting and ridiculing the Liberation War and the Independence is unacceptable.
The federations include Sammilita Sangskritik Jote, Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation, Jatiya Kabita Parishad and Bangabandhu Sangskritik Jote.
Comments