Free media is a cornerstone of democratic society but is under threat in many parts of the world, according to Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Expression and Opinion during an interview with The Daily Star.
She pointed out that the press in Bangladesh was severely undermined by the previous regime under former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. "The media sector was nearly entirely captured and subjugated, leading to widespread demoralisation among journalists, many of whom left the profession. Very few outlets dared to speak truth to power."
A former secretary-general of Amnesty International, Irene emphasised that freedom of expression is a fundamental human right, protected by international law.
It can only be restricted in limited circumstances, which must be clearly defined, necessary, and proportionate under the law.
"However, the Hasina regime introduced draconian laws that far exceeded the limits allowed by international law, and these were used to harass and silence the media," he added.
While she urged the interim government to undertake reforms to safeguard and enhance media freedom, Irene stressed that the media in Bangladesh must also undergo significant changes.
"Public trust in the press has eroded," Irene noted, adding,"Most media outlets uncritically propagated the lies of the previous regime. Journalistic standards are alarmingly low, disinformation and misinformation are rampant, and journalists are not conducting adequate fact-checking."
She added, "Journalism plays a crucial role in informing the public, exposing wrongdoing, and holding the powerful to account. However, this requires adherence to principles of truth, professionalism, and a commitment to ethical standards, which are largely absent."
"Responsible self-regulation is missing in the media sector in Bangladesh," she observed.
When asked about the interim government's proposal to establish a media commission, Irene said its role remains unclear. She cautioned the authorities against using the commission to tighten state control over the press.
"Countries with heavy state regulation of the media, such as Iran or China, have neither media freedom nor public trust in the information they provide."
"In a democratic society, state regulation of the media should be minimal, allowing for the free flow of diverse ideas, information, and perspectives from multiple sources. The media commission should not become a tool for censorship," she said.
Irene proposed that a media commission, comprising representatives from the media, legal experts, and civil society, could play a positive role in establishing journalistic standards, enforcing a code of ethics, promoting skills development, and fostering good practices.
"To be credible and effective, such a commission must remain independent and free from political interference," she added.
She also suggested that the media commission could handle public complaints regarding the press, saying, "Another option could be the creation of a national media ombudsman."
In discussing the key threats to media freedom, Irene highlighted the violence against journalists, legal harassment, and opaque governance and ownership within the media sector.
"Bloggers have been murdered in Bangladesh. The cases of Sagar and Runi remain unresolved. Local journalists have been attacked in the past, and some continue to face threats today," she said, referring to the series of blogger murders in 2016, the brutal killing of a journalist couple in 2012, and recent assaults on media workers.
"The killing of a single journalist can silence many others. The chilling effect is profound, which is why it is vital for the government to protect journalists and end impunity," the UN special rapporteur said.
On legal harassment, Irene pointed to the use of the Digital Security Act and Cyber Security Act by the Hasina government to clamp down on the "online space".
She also noted that the previous regime used the offence of criminal libel to prosecute journalists and editors.
"These oppressive laws have no place in a democratic state, and the interim government should repeal them and immediately dismiss the cases pending against journalists," she urged.
Irene also drew attention to the political influence exerted over the media through ownership and financial incentives.
"Almost all media outlets in Bangladesh are owned by big business houses or powerful politicians. The former government wielded control by manipulating the state advertising budget to reward or punish media outlets," she said.
She suggested that the government introduce regulations to prevent media ownership from being concentrated in the hands of a few influential figures.
Transparency and good governance in media operations must be encouraged to preserve editorial independence. "Such reforms will help rebuild public trust in the media," she said.
"Public interest journalism is a public good, and it is the government's duty to protect it, alongside freedom of expression."
