SAARC SUMMIT BANGLADESH
PRESS WATCHDOG JOINT STATEMENT
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
For further
information on Bangladesh independent press or other query,
please refer to: