Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM) on Thursday condemned remarks by a senior Islami Andolan Bangladesh leader suggesting that women journalists should follow certain dress requirements while covering events.

The journalists’ group issued the statement after reviewing several news clips from Thursday in which Syed Muhammad Faizul Karim, senior nayeb-e-ameer of Islami Andolan Bangladesh, was heard making remarks about how women journalists should dress while covering certain events.

“BJIM strongly condemns any attempt to dictate how women journalists should dress to carry out their professional duties,” the group said.

It said neither a journalist’s gender nor attire should be made a condition for access to political events, press conferences or other events open to the media.

“Journalists of any gender and background must be able to work freely, safely and without discrimination,” BJIM said, adding that no journalist should face exclusion, intimidation or unequal treatment because of gender, identity, beliefs or choice of clothing.

The group said imposing gender-based conditions on journalists’ ability to report would undermine press freedom as well as equal participation in public life.

“A democratic society depends on a free and diverse press,” it said.

BJIM urged political parties, public figures and event organisers to guarantee equal and unhindered access to journalists regardless of gender.

It also called on the authorities to ensure that journalists can perform their professional duties “safely, with dignity, and without discrimination.”