The Editors' Council in a statement today strongly condemned the suspension of journalists' accreditation cards and access to the Secretariat, stating that such an order poses a threat and obstacle to independent journalism.
On December 27, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued an order through a press release, which stated that the decision was made in the wake of security concerns arising from a fire incident at the Secretariat.
The order said that journalists' access to the Secretariat via accreditation cards has been suspended until further notice.
On December 28, the Chief Adviser's Press Wing expressed regret over the restriction of journalists' access. In a statement, it said that, considering the security of the Secretariat, the administrative hub, journalists' entry using the current accreditation cards had been limited along with all other non-government passes.
The government also announced plans to review the existing press accreditation cards soon, it added.
On December 29, a press note from the Department of Information stated that the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is reassessing the accreditation cards.
The note further mentioned that permanent and temporary accreditation cards/passes will be reissued soon, and temporary passes for journalists will be provided starting December 30.

"The new While welcoming the initiative to reassess and review the accreditation cards, the Editors' Council said that there is room for collaboration, if necessary, to identify unprofessional journalists.
However, it emphasised that imposing a blanket restriction on journalists' access is perceived globally as an attack on independent journalism, the statement said.
"Such tendencies were also evident during the fascist rule of the Awami League. When financial irregularities were rampant, journalists' access to regulatory institutions like Bangladesh Bank was restricted. During that time, journalists' stance on such activities was clear and unequivocal, as seen during the pre-uprising era leading to the downfall of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5," the statement said.
The statement further added that after the interim government took office, demands arose for the reform or repeal of the Cyber Security Act.
On November 7, the interim government made a policy decision to repeal the act, and subsequently, on December 24, the advisory council of the interim government approved the draft of the Cyber Security Ordinance, 2024.
"The new ordinance retains the same powers for the police as before, particularly outlined in Sections 35 and 36. Notably, the repealed Cyber Security Act also granted similar powers to the police, which was one of the major concerns raised by the Editors' Council regarding the misuse of police authority under the law," the statement read.
The Editors' Council said that the unwarranted cancellation of journalists' accreditation cards and access to the Secretariat is unjustified.
Moreover, it noted that the unilateral adoption of the ordinance without consultation with relevant stakeholders is disappointing and reflects an authoritarian mindset.
"Alongside protesting the cancellation of access, the council called for appropriate steps to address the concerns raised about the provisions in the draft Cyber Security Ordinance, 2024, based on the opinions of all relevant stakeholders," it stated