Journalist association Economic Reporters鈥� Forum demanded immediate lifting of restrictions on journalists鈥� entry into the Bangladesh Bank, warning of a rigorous movement otherwise.
The announcement was made at the ERF office in the capital Dhaka on Monday.
The ERF also denounced false claims made by BB鈥檚 deputy governor Khurshid Alam and senior officials regarding the ban on journalists鈥� entry.
During a press conference, ERF president Mohammad Refayet Ullah Mirdha and general secretary Abul Kashem raised concerns about the Bangladesh Bank鈥檚 motives in preventing journalists from entering the bank.
In a written statement, the ERF president highlighted that the sudden ban on journalists, implemented on March 21, contradicts the government鈥檚 stance on press freedom. This restriction has fuelled speculation and conspiracy theories about the financial sector and the economy.
The ERF has stated that if normal access for journalists is not restored, they will resort to a strong protest after the national budget. They have also decided to boycott all events involving the governor, deputy governors and spokespersons of the Bangladesh Bank and to refrain from publishing any propaganda-based statements from the bank.
Furthermore, the ERF president pointed out the deteriorating economic situation, attributing it to the loss of autonomy at the Bangladesh Bank. He cited the inability to control inflation, weak management of foreign exchange reserves and policy inconsistencies among various groups as key issues.
The ERF emphasised that everyone was aware of the instability in bank mergers and the current liquidity crisis in bank accounts. Despite these major issues, the Bangladesh Bank has chosen to prohibit journalists from entering, leading to increased public anxiety.
Therefore, the ERF demands the immediate lifting of the ban on journalists鈥� entry into the Bangladesh Bank to ensure access to accurate information about the economy.
