Dhaka, Oct 28 (V7N)- The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has issued instructions to compile and submit detailed information on cases of harassment against journalists in Bangladesh. This decision emerged during the inaugural meeting of a committee established by the ministry to monitor such cases, held on Sunday and chaired by Additional Secretary Mohammad Altaf-ul-Alam.

The ministry’s directive requests that journalists or their representatives provide a comprehensive set of information, including the journalist's name, affiliation, and contact details. Additional details required include the case number, filing date and location, a summary of the allegations, the case’s current status, and whether the accused has been arrested or granted bail.

Journalists who have experienced harassment may submit their applications in PDF format to the designated email, [email protected], including necessary credentials and proof of their journalistic roles. The committee specified that submissions must adhere to the definitions in the Press Council Act, 1974, for print journalists, and corresponding legislative definitions for audio-visual and digital media journalists.

The ministry clarified that cases involving journalists in their personal capacity, unrelated to their professional responsibilities, are not included in this initiative. This initiative aims to ensure accountability and safeguard press freedom by providing journalists with a formal recourse to report harassment cases.

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