BANGLADESH

US envoy’s statement undesirable interference in mass media: Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury

Chairman of the DBC Television and editor of The Daily Observer Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury said that US Ambassador Peter Haas’ statement is an unwarranted interference in Bangladesh’s independent media.

While speaking at a rally as the chief guest in protest against the US pressure on the mass media in the name of visa policy, he said, “We don’t want any master, rather we want friends. Bangladesh will not bow down its head to any master in any way, because it is very humiliating for us. That is why we are here to lodge our protest.”

Justice for Journalists organized the rally at Jatiya Press Club in the capital on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. Chairman of Justice for Journalists Kamrul Islam delivered the address of welcome at the rally that was moderated by M Shahjahan Saju.

Presided over by Senior Vice-President of Justice for Journalists and Joint Editor of The Daily Star Obaidul Haque Khan, the rally was also addressed by journalist leader Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul, former secretary general of BFUJ Abdul Jalil Bhuiyan, former president of DUJ Quddus Afrad, acting president of DUJ Manik Lal Ghosh, and joint general secretary Khairul Alam as special guests.

Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury said that the statement of the US ambassador is an interference on the independent media in Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s successful Prime Minister and Bangabandhu’s daughter Jannetri Sheikh Hasina has shown courage standing against the US visa policy. As long as she shows the courage, we all are with her.

He further said that the election in Bangladesh will be held according to the country’s constitution. Unwanted interference by any foreign state will not be tolerated. The United States opposed the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. Americans have been conspiring against Bangladesh since its birth. Currently, America is engaged in a deep conspiracy with the opponents of the Liberation War in the name of visa policy and sanction. We believe that those who attended today’s program of Justice for Journalists are the main force of the liberation war. Those who did not attend and tried to vandalize the gathering, they are opportunists.

He mentioned that the journalistic community will not accept any conspiracy against the country, freedom and sovereignty. The people of the country are in favor of Sheikh Hasina’s development. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman protested against the American aggression. His daughter Sheikh Hasina is currently protesting. Conspiracy against Bangladesh will not be considered by the people of this country including journalist society. If these conspiracies are not stopped, stricter and stricter programs will be announced in the future.

Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury said, “This is our struggle for bread, rights and dignity.” On these questions we sometimes have to leave the pens and take to the streets. Our protest rally is being arranged in view of the US ambassador’s speech.”

In his speech, former BFUJ president and journalist leader Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul said the USA is a country of free media. Journalists are also tortured there. US Ambassador Peter Haas’ statement contradicts his country’s policy of free press. Peter Haas’ statement has indirectly put pressure on the media. Addressing the US ambassador Peter Haas, he said, “Your statement is a violation of the principle of free media of the United States.”

Journalist leader Bulbul added, “We have to work to protect the honour of the profession. The United States issues 27,000 visas a year. Out of these, 10,000 visas are issued to students. But, the US has imposed a visa policy, which is absolutely undesirable and unwarranted. We will not accept anyone’s undue interference on our affairs in any way.”

 He said America imposed the visa policy. And his list is made by half the coaches of American universities. My concern is the application of the visa policy to the media. Journalists have two enemies: one is fear and the other is greed. But, the real and decent journalists are never afraid of these two things.

 Among others, Justice for Journalists Secretary General Shaheen Babu, journalist leader Layek Uz Zaman, senior journalists Ajmal Haque Helal, Abu Sayeed, Sohail Amhed Sohail, General Secretary of Television Camera Journalists Association Shahidul Haque, Raju Ahmed, Al Masud Nayan, Golam Mujtaba Dhruba also spoke at the event.

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