Editors’ Council voices concern over 3 issues

The Editors' Council yesterday expressed concern over three
developments: denial of a genuine protest photograph as AI-generated, attempts
to create a mob at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, and the government's move to
implement a law first drafted during the ousted Awami League government's
tenure.
In a
statement, the council said that during the recent engineering students'
protest, a police officer was photographed pressing his hand over a student's
face.
After the photo appeared in several media outlets, police
claimed that it had been generated using artificial intelligence (AI). Multiple
media organisations later confirmed the photo was authentic.
On this
issue, the council said, "We are aware of AI technologies, and if we ever
publish an AI-generated photo, we clearly mention it."
Referring
to the August 28 event at the DRU auditorium, the statement said a group of
people suddenly entered and attempted to create a mob-like situation. The DRU
later issued a statement condemning the incident, a position the Editors'
Council supported.
The
council further noted that steps have been taken to implement the Journalist
Protection Act. The initiative was originally introduced during the Awami
League government. It has been learnt that the interim government has moved to
implement the law while keeping many of its provisions unchanged, it said.
The
information ministry has sought opinions on the draft from the Editors' Council
as well as other organisations.
According
to the statement, such moves reflect the mindset of the previous government.
"This repetition reminds us of earlier government's interference in
independent journalism and unilateral initiatives," it said.
















