DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENT

As Bangladesh approaches a critical election early next year, responsible and independent journalism will be crucial in ensuring a free and fair poll, said two foreign diplomats at a media freedom event yesterday.

They also stressed the need to end impunity for crimes against journalists.

“Journalists will be key and critical to the election, where voters are able to express their franchise in the way democracy should allow it,” said Canadian High Commissioner Ajit Singh at a “meet and greet” event with journalists at the Canadian Club.

The event was organised by Media Freedom Coalition, a global partnership of 51 countries dedicated to promoting media freedom and protecting journalists worldwide.

Ajit Singh said nowhere in the world is journalism more challenging than in Bangladesh. He said the challenges have grown in recent times and will become even more difficult in the coming months as Bangladesh approaches one of its biggest elections.

Deputy head of the German embassy, Anja Kersten, said in the lead-up to Bangladesh’s national elections, responsible and independent journalism will play She

SEE PAGE 9 COL 7