Saarc Summit: Bangladesh Press Watchdog Joint Statemnnt

Saarc  Summit: Bangladesh Press Watchdog Joint Statemnnt

Effort needed to ensure independent press among south Asian nations

The press watchdog of Bangladesh welcome the summit of the heads of states of South Asia at Kathmandu, capital of Nepal during 4 6 January 2002. Also wish to raise the political commitment of the heads of states to take additional effort to ensure the growth of independent press in the region, which will definitely improve understanding among the nations.

The Bangladesh watchdog overwhelmingly support the concern raised by other south Asian media professional bodies and human rights organisation on the issue of violence and intimidation to stifle independent press in south Asia.

Despite the governments of Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka having repeatedly proclaimed attachment to press freedom, restrictive laws which govern print and electronic media are impediments to development of independent press.

In the backdrop of vibrant independent print and electronic press in Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan, journalists were frequently subjected to physical assault and intimidation.

We, urge upon the governments to demonstrate tolerance, restrain from exercising repressive actions and, of course take proactive steps to ensure independent press and right to inform.

We, are deeply concerned on censorship in Sri Lanka and Nepal which may encourage autocratic regimes elsewhere.

We, express regret of the existence of scores of restrictive laws which governs the press in all the south Asian countries, which is the biggest hurdle to ensure independent press.

We, urge the heads of states to lift restrictions on import of newspapers and periodicals among SAARC members

We, urge upon the SAARC nations to liberalise visa formalities for south Asian journalists.

We, sincerely believe that privatisation of the state-owned electronic media would immensely contribute to confidence-building among the people in the SAARC countries.

We, suggest to the heads of states to establish media exchange programme among member countries to strengthen bondage among the SAARC nations.

Signatories:
(1) Saleem Samad, General Secretary, South Asian Media Association (SAMA), Bangladesh Chapter & correspondent Reporters Without Borders (RSF)
(2) Mainul Islam Khan, Member Secretary, Media Watchdog Group, Bangladesh
(3) Shaukat Mahmud, General Secretary, Committee to Protect Journalists, Bangladesh
(4) Kamrul Islam Monju, Executive Director, Massline Media Centre, Bangladesh
(5) Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, General Secretary, MediaWatch, Bangladesh
(6) Golam Mourtaza, Director, Centre for Communication & Development, Bangladesh

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