We’ll scrap DSA, all repressive laws
The BNP yesterday said it would scrap all sorts of repressive acts and ordinances, including the controversial Digital Security Act, if it comes to power.
"It is our clear announcement that we will scrap all sorts of repressive acts and ordinances, including the Digital Security Act. It will be ensured that the aggrieved person or organisation cannot file a case with a court without a ruling by the Press Council, no matter what is published in the media," said Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the party.
Addressing a discussion at the Jatiya Press Club, the BNP leader said the party would also ensure fair distribution of advertisements to make media self-sufficient. Besides, he said the BNP is also thinking of financial incentives for the media on the basis of circulation or TRP.
The BNP leader also promised full implementation of the wage board in all media outlets.
Saying the whole country is in a "deep crisis", Fakhrul said, "To save the country, there is no alternative to getting united. To unite to restore democracy, it is our responsibility to take initiatives to ensure that journalists can perform their duties and politicians can also do their jobs."
The BNP organised the discussion titled "Media control laws killing democracy: Bangladesh perspective".
In the keynote paper, presented by BNP leader Zahir Uddin Swapan, the repressive acts and ordinances were blamed for the country's poor performance in media freedom indexes.
During the discussion, Sohrab Hossain, Prothom Alo's joint editor, talked about the importance of press freedom.
"We can try to be assured, but our past does not allow us that scope … No government has been newspaper- or media-friendly since independence."
He said it was the responsibility of politicians, alongside journalists, to remove the barriers to freedom of expression and raise voice against certain laws and repression of journalists.
"We surely want the support of the opposition in removing obstacles to free press and freedom of expression. But at the same time, I would caution against the same thing happening if they [BNP] come to power," the senior journalist said.
He added that the ruling Awami league government has enacted a repressive and autocratic law, the Digital Security Act. "I condemn it and demand its withdrawal."
Sohrab recalled that AL amended the ICT act that was enacted during the BNP regime. "Awami League has increased the punishment."
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