Adviser for Information and Broadcasting Nahid Islam has said more than 3,000 accreditation cards were issued during the reigns of previous governments. But, all the recipients of accreditation cards were not journalists.
"We need to examine those accreditation cards. On the basis of the applications of journalists, new permanent passes will be issued. Besides, temporary passes will be issued in favour of a limited number of journalists to enter the secretariat from Monday," he said.
He was speaking at a briefing at the secretariat gate after attending a meeting with journalists and leaders of organizations working in the secretariat on Sunday.
Nahid Islam also said, "We will not be able to maintain 3,000 accreditation cards as most of these are fake. Permanent passes will be issued according to the existing guidelines receiving applications. Application process will start from tomorrow (Monday) or day after tomorrow (Tuesday). If necessary, the matter will be discussed sitting with journalists' organisations or editors."
The adviser also said the probe body which was formed to investigate the fire incident at the secretariat is scheduled to submit its primary report to the government on Sunday. "We're now allowing anyone to enter the secretariat until Sunday. Because of it, you also cannot enter today. Now all the existing passes will be cancelled. A temporary pass will be issued. You, the journalists, will be able to enter the secretariat from Monday (December 29, 2005)."
