The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and its affiliates and partners in the South Asia Media Solidarity Network (SAMSN) caution against drastic action in a case involving three journalists from the Bangla language daily Jugantor, after defamation charges were laid against them by a Minister in the Bangladesh Government.

Editor Salma Islam, executive editor Saiful Alam and reporter Jashim Chowdhury were issued a summons by the Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate on September 13, after Bangladesh’s Minister for Shipping, Shahjahan Khan, filed a defamation case against the trio.

This followed the publication of two reports in Jugantor which questioned the high expenses incurred by the Ministry of Shipping in foreign travel by the minister and his political associates.

The journalists have been ordered to appear in the magistrate’s court on October 18.

“The IFJ is concerned that this quick recourse to criminal defamation action has a chilling effect on free and fair journalism, and does little to advance the public interest,” IFJ Asia-Pacific Director Jacqueline Park said.

“We urge Minister Khan and his political associates to deal with any complaints via independent institutions such as the Press Council of Bangladesh, and thereby set a good example and precedent for the amicable settlement of grievances about media content.”

The IFJ and SAMSN also express concern over the continuing detention of Mohammad Ekramul Haq, who was arrested on July 31 on charges of extortion.

Initially remanded for two days on charges filed by a local businessman, he was ordered detained for a further two days on identical charges filed by the leader of an association of government employees.

The Sheersha News web portal and the associated Sheersha Kagoj newspaper, of which Haq is the editor, have since shut down due to a drying up of financial support.

“The IFJ urges that Haq’s case be reviewed by the appropriate judicial authorities, and action taken to ensure journalists are not held on flimsy charges over extended periods,” Park said.

“The detention of Haq not only violates his rights but, in a situation of weakly institutionalised newspaper industry, has a serious impact on media diversity and choice in Bangladesh.”

For further information contact IFJ Asia-Pacific on +612 9333 0919

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