Police public notice to remove domains of online news portals: A naked blow to independent journalism

Hakikul Islam Khokan

President of News Portal Journalists Association Senior Journalist and Lion Hakikul Islam Khokon and General Secretary Journalist Arifur Rahman Arif have expressed deep concern and strong condemnation in a statement that it is not the responsibility of the police to issue a public notice to remove and block the domain of an online news portal. It is fully under the purview of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission (BTRC).
Online news portal registration, approval, control and if necessary domain management — Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is the only concerned authority in these matters. We are questioning whether the police, especially the police commissioner of Sylhet, has been given such additional responsibilities or not. If any such direction is given, it is constitutionally questionable and against the fundamental right of independent journalism. Khabar Ibn News.
Such a role of the police is not only a breach of professionalism, but also a direct attack on freedom of expression and independent media. This is creating panic and self-censorship among journalists, which is an ominous sign for a democratic society.

We strongly believe,Police interference in the name of media control undermines democracy. News Portal Journalists Association will stand firm for independent journalism and will continue to fight street and legal against any such unfair interference.