The Bangladesh interim government has recently canceled the accreditation cards of journalists for security reasons, leading to restrictions on their entry into the Secretariat. This decision was made by the Bangladesh home ministry, which issued an order to impose these restrictions. The Secretariat serves as the administrative headquarters of the government of Bangladesh, housing many ministries and government agencies. Typically, journalists are issued accreditation cards by the Press Information Department (PID) to gather news, but this access has now been revoked until further notice.
The situation leading to this decision involved a student-led movement that resulted in the ousting of Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5. After weeks of protests and clashes that left over 600 people dead, Hasina, 76, fled to India, and an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was established. The Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has cited safety and security concerns at the Secretariat as reasons for restricting journalists’ access. This move aims to prioritize the protection of Key Point Installations, especially after a recent fire incident.
In response to the cancellation of accreditation cards, the government plans to review the existing press cards and invite fresh applications from both local and international news outlets. This process will allow the Press Information Department to issue new accreditation cards to journalists. Meanwhile, temporary daily access cards will be provided by individual ministries for any press-related events. Despite the inconvenience caused by these measures, the Chief Adviser’s office has requested cooperation from journalists in light of the security concerns at the Secretariat.
The decision to restrict journalists’ access to the Secretariat highlights the importance of safety and security in light of recent events. With the interim government taking steps to prioritize protection, journalists are urged to comply with the new procedures and obtain temporary access cards for their work. By reviewing and issuing fresh accreditation cards, the government aims to ensure that journalists can continue reporting on government activities effectively. This temporary measure underscores the need for cooperation and understanding as safety remains a top priority in Bangladesh.
As the government seeks to manage security concerns at the Secretariat, journalists are encouraged to work closely with respective ministries to obtain necessary access for their reporting. The upcoming review of press accreditation cards signals a new phase in the media’s relationship with the government, emphasizing the importance of safety measures. By offering temporary access cards for press events, the government aims to facilitate news coverage while addressing security issues effectively. Cooperation between journalists and authorities will be essential to navigate these changes and ensure the continued flow of information to the public.
In conclusion, the cancellation of accreditation cards for journalists in Bangladesh underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring safety and security at the Secretariat. By temporarily restricting access and implementing new procedures, the interim government aims to protect key installations and prevent potential risks. Journalists are urged to cooperate with authorities, obtain temporary access cards, and adhere to the revised guidelines for reporting on government activities. Through these measures, the government seeks to maintain transparency and accountability while prioritizing safety in the current situation.
