Moderator VFD
In a significant move, the Information Department has revoked the press accreditation cards of 20 journalists and officials known for their pro-Awami affiliations. This decision was communicated through letters sent to the concerned individuals today, Tuesday. The correspondence was signed by the Acting Chief Information Officer, Md. Nizamul Kabir.
The cancellation of the accreditation cards is based on Clauses 6.9, 6.10, 9.5, and 9.6 of the Press Accreditation Policy. These provisions outline the criteria under which the Information Department can revoke accreditation, emphasizing the need for adherence to journalistic standards and ethical guidelines.
List of Journalists Affected:
The journalists whose cards have been revoked include:
- Zafar Wazed: Former Director General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh
- Shabana Mahmood: Former Press Minister of New Delhi
- Mojammel Haque: Editor-in-Chief of Ekattor TV
- Farzana Rupa: Special Correspondent for Ekattor TV
- Farida Yasmin: Editor and Publisher of WomenNews24.com
- Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury: Editor of The Daily Observer
- Shyamal Dutta: Editor of Bhorer Kagoj
- Naeem Nizam: Editor of Bangladesh Protidin
- Subhas Chandra Singha Roy: Editor-in-Chief of AB News 24.com
- Syed Borhan Kabir: Freelance Journalist
- Munni Saha: Chief News Editor of ATN News
- Naimul Islam Khan: Editor-in-Chief of Amader Somoy.com
- Faraji Azmal Hossain: Special Correspondent for Daily Bangla
- Shakil Ahmed: Head of News at Ekattor TV
- Mohammad Arifur Rahman: Editor of Daily Dhaka Times
- Abul Kalam Azad: Former Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of BSS
- Mithila Farzana: Freelance Journalist
- Ashok Chowdhury: News Chief of Baisakhi TV
- Pranab Saha: Editor of DBC News
Implications of the Revocation
This revocation has raised concerns among media circles regarding freedom of the press and government intervention in journalism. Critics argue that such actions could lead to self-censorship among journalists and create an atmosphere of fear, undermining the role of the media as a watchdog of democracy.
Reactions from Journalists and Media Organizations
Responses from the affected journalists and various media organizations have been swift, with many calling this move a blatant attempt to suppress dissenting voices in the media landscape. Several journalist unions have announced plans to hold protests against what they perceive as an infringement on press freedom.
