The Editors’ Council has called for restraint and responsibility in public statements by political figures, stressing that disagreements with news reports or editorial opinions should not undermine press freedom or journalists’ safety.
In a statement issued today (1 November), the council said a video posted on the Facebook page of Prime Minister’s Political Assistant Rashed Khan showed him tearing up a copy of the Amar Desh.
The council said expressing disagreement with news reports or editorial opinions is a democratic right.
However, it stressed that differences of opinion must be expressed with responsibility, decency and mutual respect.
It said Rashed Khan, as a political assistant to the prime minister and a person holding the rank of a secretary, is expected to demonstrate restraint and responsibility through his statements and conduct.
The council also emphasised the importance of upholding professional standards, objectivity, ethics and accountability in journalism.
Calling on all concerned to refrain from provocative statements, threats and harassment, the council urged them to protect media freedom and ensure the safety of journalists.
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