Editors’ Council calls for safety of journalists during election

The Editors’ Council has called on the authorities to ensure the safety and security of journalists during the election period, saying media professionals face serious risks while carrying out their professional duties in the field.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the council said journalists involved in news gathering and coverage during elections are exposed to various threats.

Ensuring their safety and protection, particularly for those working on the ground, is therefore of utmost importance, the statement said.

Against this backdrop, the Editors’ Council urged the state, the interim government, the Election Commission, and the relevant law enforcement agencies to take effective measures to guarantee adequate security for journalists while covering election-related news.

The council also appealed to political parties to play a constructive role in ensuring the safety and security of journalists, stressing that political actors have a responsibility to create an environment in which media professionals can work freely and safely during the election period.

Expressing hope for coordinated action, the Editors’ Council said it expects all concerned parties to recognise the seriousness of the issue and take necessary steps to ensure the safety of journalists throughout the election period.

The statement was signed by Editors’ Council President Nurul Kabir and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud.