CUJ seeks withdrawal of directive on media control at the Chattogram port
Graphics: Agamir Somoy
The Chittagong Journalists' Union (CUJ) has expressed its deep concern and anger over a strict directive issued by the Chittagong Port Authority (CPA) restricting the publication of photographs, videos, sketches, and operational information without permission under the pretext of port security and the protection of sensitive infrastructure.
Describing the order as unprecedented and unlawful, the organization has demanded its immediate withdrawal.
The directive was issued in a notice signed by Syed Refayet Hamim, Acting Secretary of the Chittagong Port Authority. The notice instructed all parties to refrain from publishing or broadcasting information, photographs, videos, sketches, or operational details related to port security, communications, ship and cargo management, restricted areas, and infrastructure without prior permission across social media, online platforms, and mass media. It further warned of legal action against any violations.
In a joint statement, CUJ President Reaz Hyder Chowdhury and General Secretary Sabur Shuvo emphasized that while safeguarding port security, key state installations, and sensitive data is essential, using security concerns as a shield to curb freedom of the press, investigative reporting, and news gathering is entirely unacceptable.
The CUJ leadership highlighted that Article 39 of the Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees freedom of speech, expression, and the press. Furthermore, Section 4 of the Right to Information Act, 2009 recognizes every citizen's right to information, while Section 6 establishes that information regarding the actions and decisions of public authorities should be readily accessible.
The union asserted that journalists publish news while adhering to state laws, professional ethics, and public interest. Imposing blanket restrictions on what can or cannot be reported poses a severe threat to media freedom.
The leaders noted that this directive comes at a time of heightened public debate, scrutiny, and protests surrounding the ongoing process to lease Chittagong Port's Newmooring Container Terminal (NCT) to the foreign operator DP World. Consequently, issuing such orders during this period naturally raises suspicions among the public.
The statement concluded with a firm stance that investigative journalism covering port administration, operations, agreements, leases, foreign investments, security, labor welfare, and broader public interest cannot be silenced or suppressed under any circumstances.
