Ensure journalists’ safety and security ahead of election: speakers

Journalists and other stakeholders today stressed the need to ensure journalists’ safety and security, alongside responsible journalism, ahead of the upcoming election.

They said that while field-level risks increase for journalists during elections, legal complications, harassment and uncertainty also rise, underscoring the need for quick advice, legal assistance and other forms of support.

The speakers also said media outlets should develop their own guidelines or guidebooks for reporting on sensitive issues, including elections.

The remarks were made at the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) during the handover ceremony of a Journalist Support Desk, jointly organised by media and communication-focused organisation Somosti and the DRU.

With support from UNESCO’s Global Media Defence Fund (GMDF), Somosti established the support desk under the project titled “Enhancing Legal Support System to Strengthen Media Protection”, in partnership with journalists and legal aid organisations. From now on, the DRU will operate the desk.

The programme was chaired by Dr Susan Vize, UNESCO representative to Bangladesh, and moderated by Riaz Ahmed, editor of the Dhaka Tribune. Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the chief adviser, attended as the chief guest.

Other guests included Foyez Ahammad, senior assistant press secretary to the chief adviser; Sohrab Hasan, editor of Chorcha; Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, president of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists; and Md Shahidul Islam, president of the Dhaka Union of Journalists. Mir Masruruzzaman, executive director of Somosti, spoke on the background and structure of the support desk.

Others who spoke included DRU President Abu Saleh Akon; DRU General Secretary Mynul Hasan Sohel; GMDF representative Lena Fox; Bangladesh Women Lawyers’ Association President Seema Jahur; National Press Club member Shahnaz Poly; Ain Seba Executive Director Sujay Chowdhury; CRAB General Secretary MM Badshah; and journalist Nadia Sharmin, among others.

Speaking at the event, Shafiqul Alam said the government has many shortcomings that need to be criticised, but ensuring journalists’ safety is also a responsibility of relevant stakeholders.

Referring to the risks journalists faced during the July movement, he said, “Six journalists were killed during the July movement. But their houses did not provide them with protective equipment.”

“Those who did journalism on the frontlines did not receive basic safety measures. Yet they worked, they reported, they did journalism,” he added.

He also highlighted the need to develop risk-reduction guidelines and a guidebook for journalists in Bangladesh to support ethical and well-prepared reporting.

Dr Susan Vize said the Journalist Support Desk is a timely and important initiative that will help journalists carry out their duties safely and professionally. She said journalists face increased workload and risks ahead of the upcoming national election, making it crucial to present accurate, credible and unbiased information.

DRU President Abu Saleh Akon emphasised unity among journalists, saying they must stand against any form of oppression or harassment targeting them and rise above narrow divisions to support colleagues in need.

Lena Fox said journalists around the world are facing growing legal harassment and security risks, and journalist support desks have emerged as an effective model to address such challenges. She added that the initiative would ensure timely legal support for journalists in Bangladesh, with continued support from UNESCO and the GMDF.

It was also informed that through the support desk, journalists will receive prompt advice and necessary referral support if they face cases, legal complications or harassment. The DRU will operate the desk in coordination with journalist organisations and legal aid service providers, while Somosti will continue to provide technical support.