Ensuring state accountability not possible without independent media: ASK

Human rights group Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has stressed that democracy, human rights, and state accountability cannot be ensured without a free, independent, and responsible media.

ASK published a statement today, on the eve of World Press Freedom Day (tomorrow).

“Freedom of expression is not just an independent right; it is one of the foundations for ensuring the protection of other rights. An independent media strengthens the voice of citizens, exposes the abuse of power, and paves the way for establishing justice,” ASK said.

ASK said Article 39 of the constitution recognises the freedom of thought, conscience, speech, and the press, which imposes a responsibility on the state to ensure an environment where journalists and citizens can express their opinions without fear or apprehension of harassment.

At the same time, Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) recognise the freedom to seek, receive, and impart information as a fundamental right.

As a stakeholder in these international commitments, Bangladesh bears the obligation to protect freedom of expression, ensure the safety of journalists, and avoid unreasonable restrictions.

ASK said it believes that the freedom of the media in the country still faces multidimensional crises and challenges.

Realities such as cases against journalists, the fear of arrest, harassment of citizens for expressing opinions on digital platforms, strategic pressure on investigative journalism, ownership influence, self-censorship, and obstacles in collecting news at the field-level are shrinking the space for independent journalism.

In many cases, allegations of attacks, threats, and surveillance on journalists also arise, which is a matter of deep concern, it said.

Simultaneously, limitations in the effective implementation of the Right to Information Act, reluctance in providing government information, and the tendency to keep public interest information secret weaken democratic transparency. If the media is obstructed in obtaining information, the people are also deprived of their right to know the truth.

On World Press Freedom Day, ASK expressed six-point expectations which include effective protection measures to ensure the safety of journalists and media workers, review of laws and policies that are contrary to the freedom of expression.

ASK also said neutral investigations into incidents of attacks, violence, and harassment against journalists must be conducted, and those responsible must be held accountable.

It said the Right to Information Act must be effectively implemented, and access to government information must be made easier.

ASK also said that a safe and non-discriminatory working environment must be ensured for female journalists and media workers coming from marginalised communities.

Tahmina Rahman, executive director of ASK, urged the relevant authorities, saying, "Ensuring a free, independent, and safe media environment is a fundamental responsibility of a democratic state.”

She added, “Effective initiatives are urgent to establish an environment where journalists can perform their professional duties without fear, pressure, or harassment. When the freedom of the press is protected, the rights of citizens are also better protected."