New York, January 26, 2007 - The Committee to
Protect Journalists is greatly concerned about
new regulations imposed by the Bangladeshi
interim government that severely restrict news
reporting. The Emergency Powers Rules of 2007,
announced on Thursday, restrict press coverage of
political news and set penalties of up to five
years in prison for violations.
The new rules aim at a wide range of political
activities. Those dealing specifically with media
allow the government to ban or censor print and
broadcast news about rallies and other political
activities that it deems "provocative or
harmful." Under the rules, the government can
seize printed material and confiscate printing
presses and broadcast equipment. The government
also has power under the regulations to censor or
block news transmitted in any form.
"These rules give authorities sweeping powers of
censorship that will deprive Bangladeshi citizens
of independent information at this critical time
of political upheaval," said Joel Simon, CPJ’s
executive director. "We call on the interim
government to rescind these repressive rules
immediately."
Bangladesh has been embroiled in political
turmoil since October, when Prime Minister
Khaleda Zia’s administration came to an end in
the run-up to constitutionally mandated
elections. Voting had been scheduled for this
week but was postponed when opposition parties
protested irregularities. President Iajuddin
Ahmed stepped down as leader of the caretaker
government and declared a state of emergency on
January 11, following bitter clashes between
supporters of the two major rival parties.
The regulations took effect today and will remain
in force until the government lifts the state of
emergency, according to Thursday’s announcement.
Committee to Protect Journalists
330 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001 USA
Phone: (212) 465-1004
Fax: (212) 465-9568
Web: www.cpj.org