After passing the Digital Security Act in parliament ignoring concerns that it might muzzle press freedom, the government has now invited newspaper editors and journalist leaders for a meeting on the new law.
On Wednesday, Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu wrote to the Editors’ Council, Bangladesh Federal Journalists’ Union (BFUK), Dhaka Journalist’s Union (DUJ) and Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU) inviting for a meeting on Sept 30.
In the letter to Editors’ Council General Secretary Mahfuz Anam, Inu invited newspaper editors for a meeting scheduled for 12pm while the journalist bodies have been requested to join a meeting at 3pm the same day.
The letter said that amid concerns over the new law by journalists, the meeting to resolve the issue was imperative.
It said that Law Minister Anisul Huq, Telecoms and ICT Minister Mustafa Jabbar and Information Affairs Adviser to the PM Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury will also join the meetings.
In his letter, Information Minister Inu also urged the Editors’ Council to call off its human chain demonstration for Sept 29.
Despite several attempts, Inu could not be reached over phone for a comment.
BFUJ President Molla Jalal confirmed of receiving the minister’s letter. “We have decided to attend the meeting as journalists are a stakeholder of the information ministry.”
Editors’ Council leader and The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam was not available for a comment as he is out of the country now.
Speaking to Bangla Tribune, one of its member Bangladesh Protidin Editor Naem Nizam, “We have always called for talks to resolve issues. We will respond, since the minister has invited for discussing our concerns.”
On their planned demonstration for Sept 29, he said, “The Council will meet on Thursday to take a decision on the matter.”
DRU President Saiful Islam told Bangla Tribune that they have told the minister’s office that a decision on attending the meeting will be taken after consulting with their executive committee.