Unfortunate, Disappointing And Unacceptable: FM on Diplomats' Media Freedom Remarks

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Friday berated statements posted on social media by some diplomats on media freedom issue terming them "unfortunate, disappointing and unacceptable".

"They could have told us following diplomatic norms if they have anything to say," he told media expressing his displeasure over their remarks.

Dr. Momen said he spent a long time in the United States, and he had never seen such a diplomatic approach.

"We're operating our government in our own way. I'm very upset. It's very upsetting. It's very sad. It's not good at all," he added.

Bangladesh’s ME envoys asked to expedite efforts to protect workers’ rights

The Foreign Minister said the freedom can not be honored unless there is responsibility.

He said Bangladesh would be pleased if they could say more about the cancelation of RMG export orders or protection and help for Bangladeshi expatriates residing abroad and guaranteeing their work for at least six months.

Seven western envoys based in Dhaka on Thursday shared their thoughts on the value of freedom of the press and the media to ensure access to reliable and factual information in the current crisis of COVID-19.   

The envoys on Thursday shared the same sentiments in their tweets. 

Earl Miller, the US ambassador, tweeted, "Access to reliable and fact-based information provided by a free and independent media is vital to protecting public health everywhere. Amid the ongoing C-19 crisis, it is essential that freedom of expression is upheld and that the voices of journalists are not restrained."

UK High Commissioner Robert Dickson tweeted, "Access to reliable and fact-based information provided by a free and independent media is vital to protecting public health everywhere. Amid the C-19 crisis, it is even more important that freedom of expression is upheld and the media can do its job."

Source: UNB