Press freedom faces serious attack: Noab

The Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (Noab) yesterday expressed concern over continued attacks on the freedom of the media.

Strongly condemning the recent sit-ins, attacks, and vandalism in front of the Prothom Alo and The Daily Star offices, Noab said such attempts to "create chaos" were disrupting the practice and environment of journalism.

"If anyone has objections to any news or the editorial policy of a particular newspaper, they can clarify their intellectual stance and views through writing," Noab said in a media statement, signed by its President AK Azad.

According to the statement, some individuals over the last few days attempted to create chaos by taking position on the road in front of the Prothom Alo's main office in the capital's Karwan Bazar.

"Later, law enforcers dispersed those individuals. However, such activities continued yesterday [Sunday] as well."

The association called upon the government to take stern action against mob justice that targeted different institutions, including media outlets.

It also urged all the parties concerned to refrain from activities that are contrary to the freedom of the media.