The media has played a pivotal role in raising awareness in Bangladesh, notably against extremist factions, militant groups, war criminals such as Jamaat-e-Islami, and terrorists who have sought to eradicate progressive and secular elements

Peter Haas, the US Ambassador to Dhaka, affirmed that the US Visa Policy will be enforced even in cases where measures are taken to prevent the media from expressing their opinions, with the intent of obstructing the democratic electoral process in Bangladesh. Haas made this statement in response to a letter from the Editors Guild, an organization representing editors from various media outlets in the country. He addressed about the letter last Tuesday.

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Haas emphasized that the United States staunchly supports freedom of expression for the press and is committed to opposing those who obstruct the democratic election process in Bangladesh. He stated, ‘We will take action against those who impede the democratic election process in Bangladesh, and the United States will apply its Visa policy to such individuals.’

According to Haas, the visa policy, as announced by Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, will encompass anyone involved in preventing the media from expressing their views in order to hinder the democratic election process.

Furthermore, Haas pointed out that if governments utilize their resources and institutions to impose censorship, restrict internet services, and harass journalists, the United States will continue to voice concerns about these issues, as it has done in the past.

Mozammel Babu, President of the Editors Guild, and Inam Ahmed, General Secretary, had written to Peter Haas regarding recent remarks suggesting that the visa policy could be applied to the media as well.

During a recent interview with a private television channel in the country, Ambassador Peter Haas remarked that the US visa policy could indeed encompass the media, as it is applied impartially to various entities, including government supporters, opposition parties, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and even the media.

Worries from Editorial Board and Clarification by US Ambassador

The Association of Newspaper Editors has communicated their concerns to US Ambassador Peter Haas in Dhaka regarding his recent remarks suggesting the potential application of the US visa policy to Bangladeshi media. In response, Ambassador Haas reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to press freedom, emphasizing the fundamental rights of journalists and media organizations to express themselves freely. He clarified that if anyone takes measures to stifle the media’s ability to voice their opinions, the visa policy will indeed be applicable to such individuals.

This information was conveyed through a statement issued by the organization’s President, Mahfuz Anam, who also serves as the editor of the Daily Star, and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud, representing the editorial board. The statement was disseminated to the media on September 30.

In response to Mahfuz Anam’s letter, Ambassador Peter Haas underscored that media’s right to freedom of expression encompasses the ability to critically evaluate any government, including the United States. He remarked, ‘In fact, we welcome public opinions reflecting on any of our policies.’

In a recent interview with the private television channel 24, Peter Haas mentioned that the media might potentially fall under the purview of the US visa policy. This interview was published on September 24, during which he emphasized that the visa policy is administered impartially, encompassing government supporters, opposition parties, law enforcement agencies, the judiciary, and even the media.

On September 27, Mahfuz Anam, President of the Editorial Board, penned an email to Peter Haas, expressing concerns and questions raised by both him and the editorial board regarding the potential application of the visa policy to the media. He candidly conveyed that Haas’s remarks had caused confusion among them and requested clarification. He also highlighted the long-standing support of the US government and the ambassador for a free and independent media and how the comments had perplexed them.

‘The role of mass media is to write or broadcast. Therefore, will visa restrictions be imposed based on a journalist’s content? If so, doesn’t this encroach upon freedom of speech and press freedom? How will it be implemented in the media, and what criteria will be considered?’ – Mahfuz Anam inquired

He continued, ‘The First Amendment of the United States Constitution has always been a source of inspiration for me personally and for the media in Bangladesh. In that context, if the visa policy is applied to the media, how will it align with the values of the First Amendment in its execution?’

Prominent Citizens Condemning the Inclusion of Media

A total of 190 distinguished citizens from our country have expressed their profound disappointment and concern regarding the recent remarks made by Peter Haas, the United States Ambassador to Dhaka, suggesting the potential application of the US visa policy to the media.

In a statement, these prominent citizens referenced Ambassador Haas’s response to the letter of concern issued by the editorial board, a letter transmitted on October 1st.

The statement acknowledges that media professionals may also find themselves subject to the US visa policy. It expresses dismay over Ambassador Peter Haas’s stance, deeming the declaration of the media’s inclusion within the visa policy as contradictory to the United States’ proclaimed commitment to media freedom. The media has played a pivotal role in raising awareness in Bangladesh, notably against extremist factions, militant groups, war criminals such as Jamaat-e-Islami, and terrorists who have sought to eradicate progressive and secular elements. This contribution, the statement argues, has prevented Bangladesh from devolving into a state akin to the Taliban.

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Furthermore, the statement highlights that Haas’s endorsement of the visa policy’s application to the media has been embraced by hardliners and anti-libertarians. These proponents, who have previously denigrated Western policies and opposed free thinkers, have also advocated for the impunity of war criminals from 1971. The statement notes that Haas’s remarks found favor on the Facebook page of ‘Basherkella,’ known as the spokesperson for Jamaat-e-Islami, where Haas is hailed as ‘a true friend.’ This page has previously promoted violence against bloggers and free thinkers. Consequently, the statement asserts that the celebration of Haas’s statement on this page carries an ominous message for secular citizens.

The statement further observes that while officials from the Ministry of External Affairs had refrained from mentioning the media in the visa policy, Haas has not retracted his statement. Therefore, it suggests that the decision to apply this policy to the media may be final. Editors and journalists have already voiced their condemnation, and many have expressed concerns that Haas’s statement may deter critical reporting by the media.

The statement points out that the United States has previously reacted to crimes against humanity committed by leaders of Jamaat-e-Islami during the liberation war and the suppression of secular voices and persecution of minorities. These reactions have found resonance on the “Basherkella” page in the wake of the US statement.

The statement contends that Haas’s apparent dual policy stance has created confusion. While he has championed media freedom since his arrival in Bangladesh, his current position threatens to undermine the fundamental principles of media freedom

Conversely, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that the media will be subject to the visa policy if they are not allowed to operate independently. Haas’s statement, however, appears to jeopardize the US commitment to ensuring fair elections in Bangladesh, casting doubt on the media’s potential role in that endeavor.

Finally, the statement raises concerns about various activities undertaken by the United States that have the potential to disrupt communal harmony in the country. The statement also brings attention to the controversial US Senator Bob Menendez’s active advocacy for sanctions against RAB (Rapid Action Battalion) by the US government. Additionally, it mentions a statement signed by six US Congressmen, which alleges a significant reduction in the minority population under the current administration. These actions have stirred concerns and raised questions about potential ulterior motives behind such initiatives.

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