A free and independent press is essential for any democratic society, and journalists must be allowed to report on issues of public interest without fear of retaliation or censorship.

The Bangladesh Press Council is fully dependent on government funding. As a result, its independence to act as a self-regulatory body remains susceptible to government interference.

While the Bangladesh Press Council has proposed an amendment to the Press Council Act to impose stricter fines on journalists, the council’s records show the move is contrary to the sentiments of the journalists in its board.

Is not the media already under duress, and its function heavily encumbered by the Digital Security Act (DSA), without needing a new law which is now on the anvil of the Bangladesh Press Council (BPC)?

Proposed hefty fines for journalists are unrealistic

A law is being amended with a provision of fining up to a maximum of Tk 10 lakh if ​​journalists are involved in any illegal or criminal activity, said Justice Nizamul Huq Nasim, chairman of Bangladesh Press Council.

Bangladesh Press Council Chairman Justice Md Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed yesterday categorically said no changes would be brought to the Press Council Act if journalists opposed.

Chairman of Bangladesh Press Council Justice Mohammed Mumtaz Uddin Ahmed says he would not approve any law that goes against the interests of journalists.

The Bangladesh Press Council has warned, criticised, and rebuked the editor of Bangla daily Al-Ehsan for violating codes of conduct