The Bangladesh Journal - US Ambassador to Bangladesh accuses caretaker govt's informal media control

The US ambassador in Dhaka, Patricia A Butenis, feels that the current state of emergency in Bangladesh has introduced ‘ambiguity and uncertainty’ as journalists submit to informal control over media.

She came up with the observation while addressing, as the chief guest, a discussion meeting held to mark the World Press Freedom Day on Thursday.

‘The current state of emergency in Bangladesh has introduced ambiguity and uncertainty as journalists seek to navigate the informal controls on media freedom,’ she said.

‘It is not surprising that some journalists and editors practise self-censorship and that journalists who are perceived to be overly aggressive or politically partisan have received unwanted attention from certain persons in positions of authority,’ Butenis added.

‘Harassment, threats or abuse of journalists, from any quarter, whatever the motive, are wrong. They undermine the truth, undermine the credibility of those applying the pressure and ultimately undermine the interests of democracy in Bangladesh.’

Butenis said that government should take effective action to prevent the exertion of such pressure and to maintain a climate conducive to media freedom.

The US envoy opined that a free, fair, and active press is vital for developing and sustaining healthy and productive societies.

‘A free and vigorous press is also an essential ingredient for creating the marketplace of ideas necessary to develop and expand a modern, successful economy, as well as promoting tolerance and moderation in social attitudes and behaviour,’ she argued.
Butenis also felt that fighting for and then defending media freedom is a continuous and sometimes difficult process.

She was also critical of the Bangladeshi media for not being accurate and balanced.

‘I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve read in the press about statements I didn’t make, meetings I didn’t attend, and actions I didn’t take,’ she claimed.

However, lauding the role of Bangladesh’s media, she said, ‘I have seen on a nearly daily basis that the Bangladeshi media is active and vibrant.Bangladeshi newspapers and, more recently, Bangladeshi television channels have played an important and proud role in developing the country’s democratic traditions and are a key force for encouraging reforms, holding the government accountable, and promoting the public debate that is essential to democracy.’

In recognition of this important role, Butenis said the US government continues to support media freedom and, through exchanges and training courses, the professional development of both the Bangladeshi print and electronic media.

The discussion was presided over by News Today’s editor Reazuddin Ahmed, who is also the president of the South Asian Free Media Association.

Acting editor of Ittefaq Rahat Khan, professor of the Dhaka University Sheikh Abdus Salam and UNESCO representative in Bangladesh Malama Meleisea also spoke on the occasion.

Executive director of the Massline Media Centre, Kamrul Hassan Monju, delivered the welcome speech.