Journalist protection law expected to pass this month: press council chairman

Bangladesh Press Council Chairman Justice A K M Abdul Hakim has announced that the long-awaited Journalist Protection Law is expected to be passed within November.

He made the statement during a training workshop organized by the Press Council on “Preventing media malpractices and ensuring objective reporting” at Narayanganj Circuit House conference room on Thursday.

During the session, journalists from various media outlets raised questions on multiple issues, which Justice Hakim addressed with detailed explanations.

He said that journalists have been anticipating this law for a long time. After crossing nearly 19 procedural stages, the law is now close to enactment. Once passed, it is expected to provide journalists with greater physical and professional protection.

Justice Hakim also noted that several other media-related laws are under consideration and are likely to be enacted soon.

This workshop was held from 10 AM to 1:30 PM under the chairmanship of Narayanganj Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mohammad Zahidul Islam Minya.

Press Council Deputy Secretary Md Abdus Sabur, District Superintendent of Police (SP) Mohammad Jasim Uddin, Additional Police Superintendent (Administration) Tasmin Akter, and journalists from print and electronic media outlets in the district were present, among others.

SS/AM