The chief of the interim government鈥檚 Media Reform Commission, Kamal Ahmed, advocated for investigations into journalists accused of incitement during deposed Awami League government tenure.
He made the remarks at a discussion with journalists at the Chattogram deputy commissioner office on Sunday morning.
Responding to a question, Kamal Ahmed said, 鈥榃e believe investigations into incitements by individuals should be conducted, and necessary actions should be taken.鈥�
He emphasised that incitement, especially leading to murder, was a criminal offence.听
Kamal Ahmed also highlighted the issue of political discrimination, saying, 鈥楾hose who suffered politically motivated discrimination, including journalists and institutions, must be considered for compensation.鈥櫶�
He called for prioritising withdrawal of harassment cases against journalists, saying, 鈥楾hose who faced harassment cases, imprisonment, or were unable to work due to such cases should see their matters resolved promptly.鈥櫶�
On the impact of political bias, Kamal said, 鈥楾he profession must be freed from political interference, as it distorts and censors news.鈥櫶�
Kamal Ahmed acknowledged the existence of media ethics but pointed out the absence of a unified editorial policy. 鈥榃e have advised the Editors鈥� Council to establish a national editorial policy. We hope they will take this initiative,鈥� he added.听
He further said, 鈥業t is often alleged that a report or an opinion column poses a threat to national security, and such claims are used as grounds for legal actions.鈥�
鈥楾he commission recommended that such a definition of national security is unacceptable. Cases related to national security should only arise during wartime or when the country is engaged in conflict with another nation. We are working on drafting recommendations based on past incidents and opinions to address these issues.鈥�
The meeting was attended by Media Reform Commission members professor Dr Gitiara Nasreen, Shamsul Haque Zahid, Akhtar Hossain Khan, and Begum Kamrunnesa Hasan.
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