Newspaper editors have decided to go for a human chain demonstration in protest of passing the Digital Security Act Bill in parliament despite concerns that the new law will effectively muzzle press freedom.

In a meeting on Saturday (Sept 22) chaired by News Today founding Editor Reazuddin Ahmed, the Editors’ Council decided that the demonstration will be held next Saturday (Sept 29).

In a statement, the Council said it expresses deep regret at the passage of the Digital Security Act 2018, which it considers to be against the freedom guaranteed by the constitution, media freedom and freedom of speech.

“The Sampadok Parishad (Editors’ Council) invites all journalists’ and media bodies and individual media personnel to join the human chain,” reads the statement.

Saturday’s meeting was attended by Manabzamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury , Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman,  The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Sangbad Acting Editor Khandaker Muniruzzaman, New Age Editor Nurul Kabir , Kaler Kantho Editor Imdadul Haq Milan, Bangladesh Pratidin Editor Naem Nizam, Naya Diganta Editor Alamgir Mohiuddin, Daily Inqilab Editor AMM Bahauddin , Dainik Azadi Editor MA Malek, Karatoa Editor Md. Mozammel Haque, The Independent Editor M Shamsur Rahman, Jugantor Acting Editor Saiful Alam, Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Dhaka Tribune Editor Zafar Sobhan, Shamakal Associate Editor Sabuj Younus and Financial Express Joint Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid.