Desk Report: In a recent statement, Matthew Miller, spokesperson for the United States Department of State, expressed concern over the methods employed by the Bangladeshi government to curtail press freedom and intimidate journalists and media personalities.
Addressing the issue via a verified Facebook page at the U.S. Embassy in Dhaka on Friday, Mr. Miller highlighted the importance of a free and responsible press in any democracy.
He emphasized that journalists play an indispensable role in exposing corruption and unethical practices, unveiling the true face of misconduct.
In a video statement posted in Bengali alongside his comments, Mr. Miller said, “As we have said before, we believe that journalists are essential in upholding democracy.
Their reporting unveils the cloak of malpractice, which, in turn, protects the public’s right to know about issues affecting their everyday lives.”
Mr. Miller stressed that safeguarding the public’s right to information is crucial, as it allows ordinary citizens to be aware of the challenges they face in their daily lives.
He encouraged responsible journalism, emphasizing the necessity of unbiased reporting free from fear, violence, or intimidation.
Furthermore, Mr. Miller called upon the Bangladeshi government to respect the boundaries of accountability and not infringe upon the rights and responsibilities of journalists and media personalities.
He stated, “Journalists, like anyone else, should be allowed to exercise their right to free speech within the confines of the law. Transparency and accountability are the bedrocks of a thriving democracy.”
In closing, Mr. Miller reiterated the U.S. government’s support for press freedom and the protection of journalists’ rights globally.
He affirmed that press freedom is not just a privilege but an essential element of any democracy, adding that it is the responsibility of governments to ensure the safety and freedom of journalists in their pursuit of truth.
Matthew Miller’s statement comes amidst growing concerns about the state of press freedom in Bangladesh, with reports of journalists facing threats, harassment, and legal action in their pursuit of investigative reporting.
As the debate on press freedom continues, the international community watches closely, underscoring the significance of an independent and responsible press in upholding democratic values and the public’s right to information.