No restrictions on publishing news about biman: authorities
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Biman Bangladesh Airlines has said no restrictions or embargoes have been imposed on media coverage of its operations or any related matters.
Biman Bangladesh Airlines disclosed the information in a statement on Tuesday.
Several aviation correspondents had raised concerns about alleged obstacles to publishing information and news about Biman. The airline issued the statement in response to those concerns.
In the statement, Biman said it holds press freedom, responsible journalism and the importance of information flow in the public interest in the highest regard.
The statement noted that throughout its 54-year history as the national flag carrier, the airline has consistently sought to uphold passenger service, transparency, accountability and public trust.
It also said journalists are entirely free to report on Biman’s decisions, operations and any related matters in accordance with their professional judgment and editorial policies.
“To meet the need for objective information and news, Biman Bangladesh Airlines’ public relations department remains ready to provide all necessary assistance and statements,” the organization said, clarifying its position on the allegations.
Emphasizing the importance of cooperation, the airline expressed hope that its relationship with the media would grow stronger through mutual respect and accurate information grounded in professional standards.
Allegations emerged that informal restrictions on journalists’ access to Biman’s head office in Balaka had been imposed since October 6.
Several aviation correspondents claimed they had faced obstacles in gathering information after publishing reports on corruption, irregularities and passenger harassment involving the airline.
Expressing anger over the alleged obstruction of journalists’ efforts to gather information, the Bangladesh Aviation and Tourism Journalists Association (BATJA) strongly condemned and protested the incident.
The organization also sought urgent intervention from the civil aviation and tourism minister to ensure journalists had unrestricted access to the state-owned airline and a working environment that allowed them to perform their professional duties.
