Press Club concerned

The Jatiya Press Club yesterday expressed concern over the court's contempt rule on three dailies, sweeping comments of some lawyers about journalists and summoning of two journalist leaders by the High Court.
“Such attempts leave the media and judiciary pitted against each other,” said a statement issued by Jatiya Press Club President Kamal Uddin Sabuj and General Secretary Syed Abdal Ahmad.
At a recent hearing of a case at the High Court, some lawyers made derogatory comments about journalists, it read. The court summoned Dhaka Reporters Unity president and general secretary for issuing statements protesting such remarks.
At the same time, the court issued a contempt ruling against Samakal and Nayadiganta for publishing the statements of the two journalist leaders.
The Jatiya Press Club called upon all to refrain from making any sweeping comments on any profession, and requested the intervention of the chief justice in finding an amicable solution to the situation.
The statement noted that the judiciary and media work hand in hand in upholding democracy and freedom of the press. The media in Bangladesh too has been playing a strong role in ensuring the freedom of the judiciary.
“There is a tradition of good relations between the media and judiciary in this country,” it said.
The statement also noted that journalists, like all other citizens, are not above the law. The law will take its natural course if there are any specific allegations against the media or anyone related to it.
There is also scope for correction in case of any lapses on the part of journalists, the statement said, adding if any news item hurts anybody, it does not mean that it was intentional.