Dhaka, May 5 -- Speakers at a discussion marking World Press Freedom Day on Sunday underscored the urgent need for ensuring press freedom, repeal of repressive laws, and end to harassment of journalists.

Despite improvement in Bangladesh's ranking in the global press freedom index, they called for greater accountability from both political actors and media institutions, warning that freedom of expression remains under serious threat due to state and non-state actors, partisan and corporate influence, and a pervasive culture of impunity.

The event, organised by the Editors' Council at the Jatiya Press Club, brought together politicians, editors, and civil society leaders who shared concerns over censorship, the weaponisation of laws, and...