European Ambassador to Bangladesh Michael Miller today said journalists, in the context of upcoming elections, need to feel secure from harassment and confident that arrests are subject to due process and judicial oversight.
"This is a critical time for the media to feel empowered to counter misinformation, disinformation, and foreign information manipulation and interference," he said while speaking at the 10th BRAC Migration Award Ceremony at a Dhaka hotel.
The event was organised marking the International Migrants Day. BRAC awarded 18 journalists in recognition of their investigative journalism on migration.
Addressing the event, Miller said freedom of expression must be protected for journalists to perform their duties effectively.
"Freedom of expression includes the right to offend, but draws a red line at incitement to hatred or violence," he said.
The envoy said responsible journalism concerning migration policy is key to helping society understand the realities of migration, highlighting the necessity of well-informed decision-making, and bringing forward stories of courage, hardship, and resilience.
He said while migration will continue to shape the future, the clear message is that grasping the benefits of migration depends on people migrating safely, legally, and with dignity.
Furthermore, there is a need for migration to move up the value chain, focusing on skilled and semi-skilled individuals, Miller said.
He said irregular migration exposes individuals to exploitation, deception, disappointment, lost savings, broken promises, and ruined lives.
ILO Bangladesh Head Max Tunon, BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh, Samakal Editor Shahed Muhammad Ali, and BRAC Associate Director (migration and youth platform) Shariful Hasan, among others, also addressed the event.