The organisation of the print media editors issued the statement, signed by the Council's General Secretary and Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, on Tuesday evening.

But its President and Daily Samakal Editor Golam Sarwar disagreed with the contents of the statement while speaking to bdnews24.com.

Sarwar also claimed that it was sent out without his consent.

It read, "We have noticed with concern that it has recently become very difficult for newspapers and national media to work independently and neutrally."

"Journalists are being attacked and falling victim of violence in name of political programmes while attempts to curb the independence of the newspapers and media are being made."

"The government is interfering with the media's rights. Independent and impartial news gathering and publishing are facing obstructions from the government and administration."

"Sometimes certain newspapers or television channels are being wrongfully labelled as the mouthpiece of a particular party or group," said the statement.

Sarwar, who is currently in the US, on Tuesday night said he was surprised to see that the statement did not mention where the Council held its meeting, who presided over it and who else attended.

"I came to America the day before yesterday for some urgent work. I'm the president of the Editors' Council. The statement contains many stern remarks which have been put there without my consent."

"I don't own this statement," he said.

The statement further said, "Particularly the reaction in Parliament over a picture and its caption published by the Daily Star recently manifests hostile attitude, which is never expected of any government."

"Provocative remarks have been made in Parliament against the editors and publishers, which are a threat to their safety."

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Parliament recently had pulled up the English-language newspaper for carrying a picture of a poster of outlawed Islamist outfit Hizb-ut Tahrir, saying this was tantamount to helping the radical cause.

She had said the daily would face action for publishing the poster.

The statement continued, "Many editors and publishers are already being harassed with false cases filed against them. Even English newspaper Daily New Age's office was raided by police. We deeply condemn this incident."

The statement also alleged that the television talk-shows and live broadcasts were facing serious curbs.

"We think directing over phone about what will be aired or not is a clear interference in the freedom of expression."

It claimed some media journalists were not allowed to cover government events and the ruling Awami League's programmes.

"We expect more responsible and cooperative behaviour from the government to maintain the media's freedom, objectivity and impartiality," said the statement signed by Mahfuz Anam.

Daily Samakal took down the statement a while after carrying it on in the newspaper's website.

"I don't agree with the statement. That's why we have withdrawn it," the daily's Editor Golam Sarwar told bdnews24.com over telephone when asked.

Reached for comment, Daily Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta told bdnews24.com: "I didn't attend the meeting. I don't agree with the statement's contents."

bdnews24.com tried to reach General Secretary Anam on his phone and by texting him several times, but got no response.