National Coalition formed for enhancing security of journalists
Article 19, an international human rights organisation that works globally for freedom of expression and the right to information, organised a consultation with Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Community-Based Organizations (CBOs), Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) and journalists in Chittagong to initiate a National Civil Society Coalition to enhance the safety and security of journalists, said a press release.
On Thursday (17 August), this initiative was discussed at an advocacy session which was held under a national project of Article 19 'Journalists with Enhanced Safety and Security (JESS)' at Hotel Peninsula, Chittagong.
Lack of safety and security, no protection policy or safety mechanism, insurance policy, termination policy implemented in most of the media houses, lack of safe environment for women journalists, less implementation of the wage board, lack of logistics support and safety equipment from media houses – came up in the discussion as obstacles and challenges for the journalists, particularly women journalists.
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President and General Secretary of Chittagong Press Club Salah Uddin Md Reza, Deb Dulal Bhowmik, President of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (Chittagong) Prof. Md. Sikandar Khan and 19 print and representative of CSOs, grassroots organisations, HRDs along with journalists took part at this discussion session.
The session was chaired by Faruq Faisel, Regional Director Article 19 Bangladesh and South Asia. With an emphasis on the safety of journalists tackling threats inside and outside the workplace, he invited for collaboration of CSOs, CBOs, and HRDs with the journalists and media houses to contribute to the protection mechanism of the journalists and focused on the consequences of Legal harassment under the Digital Security Act 2018.
He highlighted the consequences of Sultana Jesmin, an employee of a Naogaon union land office who stood accused in a case under the Digital Security Act and died from an apparent stroke while in Rab custody; also, writer Mushtaq Ahmed was arrested under DSA and died in custody. Faruq Faisel said, "We have to remember that there is nothing more important than human life. We may change the Law, but never return those people who suffered and died due to this Act."
Rumky Farhana, Senior Program Officer, Article 19 Bangladesh, and South Asia, Focused on Freedom of Expression & Safety of Journalists related initiatives by Article 19 Bangladesh including Legal Analysis, ''ShohoJojita – the emergency support, The Initiatives of Strengthen Protection policies in media houses also added the JESS project briefing on the activities and objectives. The participants at the session spoke about their experiences and problems of working within and outside of Chittagong. Female Journalists pointed out various obstacles faced by women journalists in the media houses and outside.
The journalists and CSO representatives also expressed their recommendations and expectations for the establishment and implementation of Insurance policies in media houses, giving focus on fact checking and strengthening unity among journalists. Leaders from CSOs including, Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SHUJON), and Chittagong Ain Shohayota Kendra (ASOK) have committed to Article 19 for its advocacy initiative to protect safety and rights. Shahnewaj Riton , Executive Editor, Mohanogor News; Shamsuddin Ilius-Bureau Chief, The Business Standard; Muhammad Younus-Editor, Weekly Upokul Protidin, Rafiqul Islam- G.S, Ain Shohayota Kendra, Chittagong; MD. Mashud Alam, The Daily Bangladesh Samachar; Mamunur Rashid Ovi, Staff reporter Jamuna TV; Moriam Jahan Munni- Staff Reporter Dainik Purbokon; Shahidullah Shahriar-Bureau Chief The Daily Jugantor, Sujit Saha- Daily Banik Barta; Shahenur Akther-The Daily Observer; Latefa Ansary from Deepto TV; Ismot Mojida Khan Eti- Chattagram protidin; Golamunnobi- Senior Reporter & Burau In charge News 24; Md. Nazrul Islam- Bureau Chief- The Daily Star; Mintu Chowdhury- Senior Reporter, bdnews24.com, Rahman Mizan- Staff Reporter, Chattogram Protidin were present in the event.
