Rights platform Ain O Salish Kendra today voiced concern over plans to form a "media monitoring cell" and urged the government not to take hasty steps in this regard.

"Instead, the government should think the matter over carefully and discuss with all stakeholders involved," the body said in a statement issued.

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Bangladesh government's plans to form a 'media watch' came out from Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu's speech in the parliament on May 4.

"We fear, such statement and move from the government will hamper the freedom of the press," Ain O Salish Kendra said in the statement.