The Economic Reporters' Forum (ERF), an organisation of economic journalists, has warned of agitation, including a sit-in protest in front of Bangladesh Bank, if the current ban on journalists' entry is not lifted immediately.
The ERF strongly protested against the falsehoods and propaganda spread by the deputy governors and senior officials of the central bank concerning journalists' access rights to the institution.
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ERF leaders issued this warning at a press conference held at their office in Paltan, Dhaka, on Monday. ERF President Refayet Ullah Mirdha and General Secretary Abul Kashem addressed the media at the event.
The ERF leaders emphasized that journalists seek access to Bangladesh Bank with temporary passes, as was the previous practice, contrasting this with the unfettered access granted to corrupt individuals and loan defaulters.
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“Despite discussions and several letters sent to the central bank, no resolution has been reached. If structured discussions are not reinstated, we will resort to strong agitation,” stated ERF President Refayet Ullah Mirdha.
Responding to a question, ERF General Secretary Abul Kashem noted that if their demands are not met before the next national budget, they would proceed with a sit-in and rally in front of the central bank.
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Moreover, the ERF plans to boycott all events involving the central bank's governors, deputy governors, and spokespersons until their demand is met.
“If our demands are not fulfilled, we have no choice but to engage in a strict movement. We are left with no alternatives,” asserted the ERF president.
In a written statement, the ERF president highlighted that the current government has committed to ensuring the free flow of information. Contrarily, the central bank has broken a 53-year tradition by suddenly banning journalists' entry, which contradicts the government's stance.
Since March 21, Bangladesh Bank has prohibited journalists from entering its headquarters. ERF leaders have already met with the governor in an attempt to resolve the issue.