He made the call during a meeting with leaders of the National Editors Council on Monday (July 27) afternoon.
In the meeting, the Prime Minister also sought the cooperation of editors in formulating a modern and effective policy for journalists.
An eight-member delegation led by National Editors Council convener and Jaijaidin editor Shafiq Rehman and co-convener and Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman attended the meeting.
The delegation also included Nayadiganta editor Salah Uddin Muhammad Babar, Jugantor editor Abdul Hai Shikder, Protidiner Bangladesh editor Maruf Kamal Khan, National Press Club president Hasan Hafiz, Wada editor Shafiqul Alam and Manabkantha editor Shahidul Islam.
The Prime Minister's Policy and Strategy Advisor Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman and Deputy Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury were present at the meeting.
In the meeting, the editors appealed not to arrest journalists for publishing news. They said that if someone is aggrieved by any news, police should not arrest any journalist on the charge of simply publishing news without a court summons. However, action can be taken under the existing law in case of criminal offenses.
At that time, the editors emphasized completing the work of the Media Commission quickly. They also demanded the restructuring and strengthening of the Press Council.
In addition, the editors demanded the reopening of closed media under the Press Trust, including Dainik Bangla, Bangladesh Times, and Saptahik Bichitra. According to them, reopening these establishments will create new employment opportunities for journalists.
