Calling for an end to the emergency rules, editors and senior journalists of the print and electronic media yesterday protested against the interference of government and military agencies in the everyday task of the media.
They, in a statement, said the media has to work under limited rights, pressure and in fear of fundamental-rights-denying emergency rules since the president declared the state of emergency on January 11 last year.
The statement was issued following a meeting of editors and senior journalists of the print and electronic media and representatives from the National Press Club, BFUJ, DUJ and Dhaka Reporters' Unity. The journalists decided to form a committee to overcome the situation. The meeting was held at National Press Club, chaired by prominent journalist Ataus Samad.
Meanwhile, supporting the initiatives, four veteran journalists -- KG Mustafa, ABM Musa, Nirmal Sen and Kamal Lohani -- said in a separate joint statement that they would actively join any further initiatives to ensure freedom of the press.