The home ministry’s recent decision to impose an indefinite ban on journalists entering the Secretariat has sparked outrage among journalists and media organizations. The ban, announced on Friday, cites security concerns following a recent fire at the Secretariat.
DUJ President Sohel Haider Chowdhury and General Secretary Akhter Hossain, along with ERF President Refayet Ullah Mirdha and General Secretary Abul Kashem, have demanded the immediate reversal of the decision. They argue that the ban will obstruct journalists from performing their duties, undermining the principles of independent journalism and democratic governance.
The home ministry has established a special cell to process applications for temporary entry passes to the Secretariat. However, journalists remain skeptical about the government’s intentions. ERF leaders have pointed out that the current interim government has repeatedly cancelled accreditation cards of professional journalists, raising concerns about media freedom.
In a statement, the DUJ leaders emphasized the need for an environment that supports independent journalism, in line with the spirit of the Liberation War. They warned that blocking journalists’ access to the Secretariat could threaten independent journalism and undermine job security for professional journalists.
The home ministry has clarified that the restriction on journalists’ entry to the Secretariat is temporary, and a positive decision will be taken soon after discussion with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. However, journalists remain concerned about the implications of the ban on their work and the broader principles of media freedom.
