Some International Codes of Ethics

adopted by Newspapers, News Agencies and Journalists of Bangladesh, 1993

1.It is the responsibility of a journalist to keep people informed of issues which influence them or attract them. News and commentaries have to be prepared and published showing full respect to the sensitivity and individual rights of the newspaper readers as well as the people.

2.Truth and accuracy in respect of information available shall be ensured.

3.Information received from reliable sources may be published in public interest induced by honest intention and if facts presented therein are considered trustworthy by logical consideration, then the journalist has to be absolved of any adverse consequence for publication of such news.

4.Reports based on rumors and not supported by facts shall be verified before publication and if these are considered not suitable for publication, one should refrain from publication of such news.

5.News items whose contents are dishonest and baseless or whose publication hinges on breach of trust shall not be published.

6.Newspapers and journalists have the right to express their views strongly on controversial issues but in doing so:

a. All true events and views shall be expressed clearly.

b. No event shall be distorted in order to influence the readers.

c. No news shall be distorted or slanted dishonestly either in the main commentary or in the headline.

d. Views on main news shall be presented clearly and honestly.

7.The editor has the right to publish any advertisement in newspapers signed by proper authorities, even if it is apparently against individual interest but not slanderous or against public interest. If protest is made with regard to such advertisement, the editor shall print and publish it without any cost.

8.Newspapers shall refrain from publishing any news which is contemptuous of or disrespectful to caste, creed, nationality and religion of any individual, community or the country.

9.If a newspaper published any news against the interest and good name of any individual, agency institution or group of people or any special category of people, then the newspaper or journalist concerned should provide opportunity to the aggrieved persons or institutions to publish their protest or answer quickly and correctly within a reasonable period of time.

10.If the published news is damaging or is improper, then it should immediately be withdrawn and corrigenda or explanation (and in special cases apology) should be issued so that the impression (bad or erroneous) created by publication of such news is removed.