Free media and security of journalists: Expectations for the future from the new government
Osman Gani
Among the four essential pillars of a democratic state, the media is considered the fourth pillar. Along with the judiciary, the executive and the legal departments, the media maintains the balance of the state apparatus. But in the reality of Bangladesh, the experience of journalists working at the field level is extremely bitter. Although the slogans of press freedom are spoken of, in practice, media workers have been subjected to humiliation, deprivation and harassment during the tenure of every government. Faces change with the change of power, slogans change, but no special change can be observed in the fate of journalists. Rather, fearless journalists have to give their lives as victims of the wrath of those in power and as victims of professionalism. The country's conscious civil society and journalists are now standing at a juncture, where their expectations from the new government are not just words of assurance, but also visible security and guarantees of freedom.
A strange culture can be observed in the political history of Bangladesh. While in opposition, every political party talks about the unfettered freedom of the media and claims to be the absolute friends of journalists. But whenever they come to power, that promise is forgotten. Since independence, the country's media workers have been attacked countless times while performing their impartial duties. Not only have they been physically assaulted, but many journalists have had to leave the world forever for telling the truth. From various professional organizations to political leaders and activists, journalists have been harassed in some way or the other. This helplessness of journalists in an independent sovereign country is very shameful for the nation. When a journalist portrays the corruption of the state, instead of applauding him, attempts are made to suppress him with state and political power. No government has been able to respond to this repression properly till date.
The recent context is even more worrying. After the change in the political landscape of August 5, a volatile situation prevails in the country's media. We have seen countless journalists lose their jobs, many are forced to leave the country in fear of their lives. Many journalists have been seriously injured and even killed during the protests and subsequent violence. The saddest thing is that many are being subjected to false and bogus cases while carrying out their professional duties. This barrage of cases and harassment has pushed journalism into a dark alley. Whenever a new change comes, journalists hope that this time they will be able to work without any hindrance. But the reality is that old chains break and new chains are formed. Breaking this cycle is now the biggest challenge for the new government. The state must show its willingness to bring the media out of party affiliation and establish it as an independent institution.
The murder of Sagar-Runi stands as a dark chapter in the history of journalism in Bangladesh. Years have passed, and the culture of impunity has turned this case into a perpetual unsolved mystery. During the previous government's tenure, time was wasted in the name of justice, and the date for submitting the investigation report was postponed hundreds of times. The common people and media workers hoped that the interim government would put an end to this lack of justice. But that hope was dashed. Now, on the eve of the new government assuming power, the old question is once again looming in the minds of journalists: will they get justice? The Sagar-Runi murder trial is not just a murder trial, it is a symbolic fight for the safety of journalism in Bangladesh. Until this trial is resolved, it is impossible for media workers to regain peace of mind. The government should, on a priority basis, unravel this case and bring the culprits to exemplary punishment, proving that the days of killing journalists and getting away with it are over.
Journalists are not just news collectors, they are vigilant watchmen of the state. They risk their lives to work for the country's interests, for the safety of people's lives and property, and against corruption. Wherever the state deviates, journalists shed light. Exposing the corrupt is a fundamental responsibility of journalists. But the tragedy is that when news of major corruption is published in the newspapers, the head of the government or the state apparatus often pretends not to see it. This indifference makes the corrupt even stronger. When these dishonest people living under the political umbrella see that no administrative action is being taken against them, they become more enthusiastic about attacking journalists. Harassing, threatening or physically attacking journalists out of revenge becomes their daily routine. If the state does not take a strict stand to protect journalists, it will never be possible to eradicate corruption.
The scenes during the last national elections remind us of how intolerant the state forces are towards journalists. When journalists were gathering news in the protest arena, pictures of journalists being assaulted by members of the law and order forces went viral on social media. It is not the job of a law enforcement agency in a civilized country to shoot a journalist or ambush him. This culture shows that journalists have no dignity in the state. Those who attack journalists blinded by the pride of power must be brought to justice.
If we cannot get out of this negative culture, democracy will be limited to just one word, its reflection will not be reflected in public life. If journalists cannot be ensured free access and the right to information at every level of the state, good governance will remain far away.
The expectations of media workers are now skyrocketing to end this long-standing deprivation. They want a legal framework where journalists will not be subjected to political tagging. In the context of Bangladesh, we have seen that whenever a journalist criticizes the government, he is labeled as a supporter of this or that party. This narrow mentality is destroying the professionalism of journalism. Media workers always work for the state, not for any specific political group. When their pen is used against corruption, it is not to target a specific person, but to free the society from stigma. The new government must realize this truth. It is the moral responsibility of the government to ensure an environment where journalists can perform their duties without facing any fear or pressure.
Although there are special protection laws for journalism in various countries of the world, our country lacks them. Rather, here, the Press Council or institutions related to newspapers are often seen behaving like toothless tigers. When journalists are persecuted, these institutions cannot play a strong role. The new government will be demanded to form a strong and independent protection cell for journalists. Where journalists will get speedy justice for the injustice done to them. At the same time, the owners of media institutions should also be held accountable, so that the culture of using journalists for political interests and then throwing them away later stops. It is also necessary to pay attention to the fact that journalists can live their lives with dignity, not just as paid employees.
Freedom of the press does not only mean freedom of printing, it is the freedom to express the truth. When a journalist highlights any inconsistency in the state, he must give up the mentality of considering him an enemy. Many times, it is seen that high-ranking officials of the state are afraid or avoid facing questions from journalists. This game of hide-and-seek must stop. To build an accountable governance system, the government must answer every reasonable question from journalists. We want a country where a journalist can return home without fear after completing his work even at night. Where the person holding a camera or a pen in his hand will not be a terror to the society, but a symbol of trust. To realize this dream, the head of state must lead from the front and ensure the freedom of journalists.
In conclusion, it can be said that media workers are not enemies of any particular party or group. They are friends of the state. When they expose the mistakes of the government, it is actually an opportunity to bring the government back on the right track. The head of the new government and policymakers should give full permission to journalists to work independently. Only if journalists can work without fear, will transparency and accountability be ensured in the state. The country's conscious civil society hopes that no more journalists should have to die for telling the truth, and no more should have to face the consequences of false cases. The new government will start a new history by completing the trial of the Sagar-Runi murders and ensuring a safe working environment for media workers, this is the demand of the time. Only by ensuring the freedom of newspapers and journalists can a society free from discrimination, exploitation and justice be built. The Bangladesh of the future will be one of free pen, free thought and fearless journalism, this is the expectation of millions of Bengalis today.
The writer is a journalist and columnist.She can be reached at postnews25@gmail.com
