Govt weighs court approval before arresting journos, media owners

The government is seriously considering a proposal requiring prior court approval before the arrest of journalists or media house owners, said State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasir Khan Chowdhury on Thursday.

He said the proposal was being given serious consideration, but it would not be possible to make any final comment before the relevant law is passed.

The state minister made the remarks at an exchange of views with the Bangladesh Photojournalists Association at the Secretariat.

Speaking about the Cyber Security Act, the state minister said the government wanted to enact the law as soon as possible, but consultations with people from different professions and sections of society were still underway.

As the legislation is sensitive, the government does not want to rush the process, he said, adding that discussions would be completed before finalising the law to ensure genuine protection for all.

If consultations are completed within this year, the law will be enacted this year; otherwise, it will be taken forward later, he added.

Regarding a recent incident at a television channel, Yasir Khan Chowdhury said every television channel had its own rules, regulations and policies.

If anyone creates disorder, the concerned institution can take necessary action with the assistance of law enforcement agencies, he said.

"No one is above the law. If anyone acts against the law or poses a threat to an institution, it has the right to seek assistance from law enforcement agencies," he said, adding that he understood those involved had subsequently been released.

Describing the incident at a media house as an internal matter, the state minister said any institution could seek law enforcement assistance whenever necessary.