It was said that work is being done with the United Nations Human Rights Commission to remove any loophole in the law. But this is just an excuse, as is clear from Friday’s statement by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. His advice to the government was of no use and that is why he has demanded suspension of the law.
Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Shaharyar Alam breaks down the news and reactions from around the world against Prothom Alo’s journalist being picked up from his home at night and booked under the Digital Security Act against him and the newspaper’s editor . But there was no discussion on the money being procured by the Federation of Bangladesh Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FBCCI) for a 30-minute program on ‘Growing Bangladesh’ aired on CNN from March 27 to April 1. All that has been lost in the criticism against the government’s silence on the media.
Earlier, another business-oriented body of the government spent ₹45 million (US$45 million) on CNN for positive coverage in favor of the country. It needs to be understood that spending money for image building is not enough, the policies and practices of the state should also be democratic and humane.
One more thing, a little reminder for those who still have faith in the Press Council–they have proved themselves nothing with the tools of the government by canceling the announcement made a few days ago by the opposition BNP newspaper Dinkel Have done. When the state exercises political control over these so-called independent institutions, it becomes necessary for the news media industry itself to establish an alternative.