<div style="text-align: justify; "><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; "><b>Accountability and transparency are vital for democracy. It necessitates public access to information. However, media laws in Bangladesh have faced criticism for limiting media freedom and intimidating journalists. Outdated colonial-era laws like the Special Powers Act and provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure still influence media operations. There are also provisions that allow direct arrest of journalists despite calls for repeal.</b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Act of 2006 allowed journalists to be sued for defamation and hurting religious sentiment, with up to 10 years in prison. Amendments in 2013 increased the maximum term to 14 years and removed the provision for bail. In 2017, around two dozen journalists were sued under Section 57. It doubled the number of cases from the previous year.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In 2018, the government announced plans to repeal the ICT Act and replace it with the Digital Security Act (DSA) in response to calls for reform. However, the draft law included provisions similar to Section 57. It raised concerns about further restrictions on media freedom and investigative reporting. Since the DSA's implementation, at least 50 lawsuits have been filed against media professionals, resulting in the arrest of 37 journalists.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The National Broadcast Policy of 2014 received widespread criticism for its potential misuse and undermining constitutional rights to free media, access to information, and freedom of expression. While promoting accountability, the policy allows for subjective interpretations, potentially hindering public discourse. It restricts broadcasting views deemed harmful to political sentiments, bans reporting on acts of sedition and "destructive events," and limits critical content related to armed forces and law enforcement agencies.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Broadcast Act of 2016 drew criticism for its negative impact on press freedom, including provisions for jail terms and fines for rule violations. International organizations like Reporters Without Borders and Freedom House raised concerns about the act's promotion of censorship and self-censorship, limiting freedom of expression and reporting on sensitive issues.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In 2017, a draft of the National Online Mass Media Policy containing provisions similar to the proposed Broadcast Act was approved. It prompted Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) to express concerns about its potential threat to press freedom. The policy required separate registration of online versions of newspapers and TV channels, which TIB argued was a blueprint for government control over the media.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The Printing Press and Publication Act of 1973 granted district magistrates the power to authorize newspaper publication and outlined various responsibilities for newspapers. However, the act has been criticized for its licensing system that restricts the publication of newspapers based on political considerations, limiting press freedom.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The development of media law in this region has been influenced by the growth of newspapers and the need for accountability and regulation during British colonial rule. Laws enacted over time have imposed registration obligations and granted the government authority to regulate seditious writings and classified information disclosure.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The foundation of media freedom in Bangladesh is derived from Article 39 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, speech, and the press, subject to reasonable restrictions. The Right to Information Act of 2009 recognizes the public's right to access government information, promoting transparency and accountability.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Despite these legal provisions, journalists in Bangladesh face significant challenges due to laws used to suppress their voices. The Digital Security Act, in particular, has created a climate of fear among journalists. There is a lack of specific legislation aimed at protecting journalists, and many media outlets lack organizational policies and mechanisms to understand readers' preferences. Journalists also face challenges such as inadequate training, poor working conditions, and the absence of appointment letters and low salaries.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">According to the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) report for January-December 2023, journalists in Bangladesh faced suppression and were victims of torture. The report documented 194 incidents, including assaults on 86 journalists, two deaths, and 26 threats. Moreover, 11 journalists were arrested, and 26 cases were filed against 55 journalists. The Cyber Security Act-2023 and the Digital Security Act-2018 significantly impacted freedom of expression, with 58 cases filed and 60 individuals arrested.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br></div><div style="text-align: justify;">These figures highlight the urgent need for comprehensive reforms to protect journalists' rights and address human rights issues in Bangladesh. Ensuring journalists' freedom to work without hindrance and avoiding self-censorship are vital for sustaining the future of journalism and upholding democratic principles in the country.</div><div style="text-align: justify; "><br></div><div style="text-align: justify; ">bnbd24/kh</div>