Dhaka, May 3 -- Members of the Media Freedom Coalition (MFC) in Bangladesh, except the United States, on Saturday said a free, independent, and diverse media is essential for the protection of human rights, strengthening of democratic societies, and the promotion of accountability.

"We continue to advocate for an environment where all voices can be heard and the fundamental right to freedom of expression is respected," the member states said in a joint statement shared by their diplomatic Missions in Dhaka.

Though the US was seen part of the such statements in the past from the MFC, they are not part of this year's joint statement, reports UNB.

On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2025, the MFC Member States in Bangladesh reaffir...