Expressing Dissent Requires Responsibility and Mutual Respect

The Editors’ Council has issued a statement following a viral video showing Rashed Khan, Political Assistant to the Prime Minister, tearing up a copy of the daily newspaper ‘Amar Desh’ on social media.
The statement, released Sunday, was signed by Editors’ Council President Nurul Kabir and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud.

Emphasizing that disagreeing with news reports or editorial views is a fundamental democratic right, the Council stressed that dissent must be expressed with restraint, decency, and mutual respect.
The Council noted that as a political assistant to the Prime Minister holding the rank of Secretary, Mr. Khan is expected to demonstrate decorum and responsibility in his public conduct. It simultaneously underscored the importance of maintaining professional journalism standards, objectivity, ethics, and accountability.

Finally, the Editors’ Council urged all stakeholders to refrain from provocative rhetoric, threats, and harassment, calling for the protection of press freedom and the safety of journalists.