The Closure of Amar Desh Newspaper : A Blow to Press Freedom in Bangladesh

The stifling of press freedom in Bangladesh under the Awami League government, led by Sheikh Hasina, has had far-reaching consequences, with the closure of the BNP-affiliated newspaper, Amar Desh, serving as a stark example.

Amar Desh, known for its critical stance against the ruling party, has faced repeated attempts to silence its voice. The Awami League government revoked the newspaper’s license on June 1, 2010, dealing a severe blow to independent journalism in the country.

The closure of Amar Desh was not an isolated incident but part of a broader pattern of crackdowns on media outlets critical of the government. Such actions undermine the principles of democracy and freedom of expression, essential pillars of a vibrant and healthy society.

Despite facing adversity, the spirit of independent journalism persists, with journalists and media workers in Bangladesh continuing to uphold the values of truth and accountability. The closure of Amar Desh serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for press freedom and the need to defend the rights of journalists to report without fear of reprisal.
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) recently organized a protest in Dhaka, condemning a newly enacted broadcast policy that they argue would severely restrict media freedom. The policy, passed by the cabinet earlier this month, has been criticized by the opposition party as regressive and aimed at silencing the media. According to Shamsher Mobin Chowdhury, the vice-chairman of the BNP, the policy grants the government undue control over the media through a legal framework, which he deems undemocratic and contrary to the principles of free expression.

The new broadcast policy seeks to regulate radio and television stations across the country and proposes the establishment of an independent broadcasting commission. However, critics fear that this commission could be used as a tool to suppress dissenting voices and stifle freedom of speech. The policy outlines restrictions on broadcasting news deemed contrary to the country’s or the public’s interest, as well as content that may undermine the reputation of military or law enforcement personnel or harm diplomatic relations with friendly nations.

Despite adverse weather conditions, thousands of opposition supporters gathered in Dhaka to voice their opposition to the new policy, viewing it as a step towards establishing a one-party state. The BNP, the largest opposition party in Bangladesh, has been vocal in its criticism of the ruling Awami League party, which it accuses of electoral fraud in the January national elections. Many demonstrators expressed their belief that if the BNP were to come to power, they would repeal the controversial broadcast policy.

However, the government has dismissed concerns over the policy, asserting that its provisions are merely guidelines and not legally binding. Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu emphasized that the policy does not include any punitive measures and refuted claims that it aims to suppress media freedom. Despite these assurances, opposition groups and civil society organizations remain skeptical, calling for the repeal of the policy to safeguard press freedom and democratic principles in Bangladesh.