Bangladesh Bank recently announced a decision to restrict the movement of journalists. The move has triggered headed to criticisms from various sectors of the media and society as being restrictive to the citizen’s right to information.
This ongoing debate illuminates the shifting connection between government bodies and public examination. It highlights the pressing necessity for Bangladesh Bank to maintain the loftiest levels of transparency in its activities, as a means of preserving public trust and encouraging sound administration.
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The Editors’ Council (Sampadak Parishad) organized the program marking World Press Freedom Day on “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the Face of the Environmental Crisis”. During the event, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting, Mohammad Ali Arafat, made remarks regarding the Central Bank’s Decision and the right to information of citizens.
Decision to Restrict Journalists
Bangladesh Bank’s decision to restrict journalists’ access has drawn severe criticism from different groups. This action raises questions about openness, particularly for a public organization intended to serve the people’s welfare.
Journalists have a critical part in revealing financial wrongdoings, making access to Bangladesh Bank essential for thorough reporting. However, the recent directive from the central bank forbids journalists from freely visiting its offices, impeding their capacity to accurately report on economic and financial matters. This limitation is especially worrying as Bangladesh confronts significant economic difficulties, such as inflation and a dollar shortage.
The decision has been met with objections, with journalists denouncing the action as a barrier to press freedom and government responsibility. Furthermore, the timing of this restriction coincides with talks between Bangladesh Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) regarding a substantial loan package, adding to the worries over transparency and accountability.
Global standard to be followed: Arafat
Mohammad Ali Arafat has been a strong supporter of the right to information, especially when it comes to addressing false information and protecting freedom of speech. In his public remarks, Arafat has repeatedly stressed the importance of not restricting free speech or media independence while fighting against the spread of misinformation on social media.
Arafat has called upon Bangladesh Bank to uphold the principles of transparency and the right to information. In line with his strong advocacy for press freedom and combating misinformation, Arafat has emphasized that the central bank establish a system through which journalists and the general population can access the information that they have a right to information under the law. However, he also emphasized the necessity to safeguard sensitive information.
In essence, Arafat is calling for a systematic, disciplined approach where journalists are not on the receiving end of a ‘wholesale ban’ on all information; with access to information that is guaranteed to them by the constitution. At the same time, his suggestion would ensure the protection of vital and sensitive banking information that central banks may store.
“There should be a system so that they can open up all information. At the same time, there should be a system so that they can protect sensitive information,”
– Mohammad Ali Arafat
Arafat has in the past passionately argued that free and independent media is essential for a healthy democracy and the progress of the nation, drawing connections to the spirit of the Liberation War.
In his public remarks, Arafat has repeatedly stressed the importance of not restricting free speech or media independence while fighting against the spread of misinformation on social media.
The Right to Know
Bangladesh’s Right to Information Act, 2009 serves as a powerful tool for promoting transparency and accountability within the government. This groundbreaking legislation guarantees citizens the right to access public records, empowering them with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions and hold their elected officials accountable.
Under the provisions of this law, every Bangladeshi citizen is entitled to request and receive information from public bodies, including the Bangladesh Bank. This legal mandate ensures that the government operates openly and transparently, fostering a culture of trust and collaboration between the state and its people.
By providing citizens with access to critical information, the Right to Information Act upholds the fundamental principles of democracy. It enables individuals to actively participate in the governance of their country, armed with the knowledge they need to make informed choices and shape the future of their nation.
As a public institution, Bangladesh Bank is subject to the requirements of this law. The central bank is obligated to provide citizens with the information they request, ensuring that its operations are transparent and accountable to the people it serves.
In conclusion, the central bank must carefully balance the protection of delicate financial data with the public’s need for knowledge to reach well-informed conclusions. Bangladesh Bank’s response to these appeals for increased transparency will have extensive consequences, not solely for the institution but for the country’s broader financial landscape.
In the future, Bangladesh Bank must participate in a forward-thinking and productive exchange with interested parties, such as elected representatives and the general public. By exhibiting a sincere dedication to transparency and accountability, the central bank can contribute to the development of a more stable and comprehensive financial framework that meets the requirements of all Bangladeshis.
