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and General Secretary Dewan Hanif Mahmud said the structure and provisions of these draft ordinances clearly raise concerns about increased state control rather than the protection of media freedom. Moreover, the initiative to complete the law-making process by seeking opinions within a limited timeframe runs contrary to participatory and democratic practices.

The Council believes that the enactment of such important laws should take place after the formation of an elected parliament, through broad and meaningful consultations with all relevant stakeholders -- journalists, editors, media organisations, and representatives of civil society.

When it comes to ensuring media freedom and professional security, haste is not the answer. Instead, a transparent, participatory, and responsible process best serves the country and democracy, the statement added.