The Bhutan Chapter of Bangladesh-based Third World Media Network (TWMN) has announced the permanent shutdown of the organization from this year’s world press freedom day, May 3.
“We actually did not see any progress at the headquarter towards endorsing its stated-mission statement, which says– improving the standards of journalism, protecting and promoting press freedom and exploit the potentials of the media to promote peace, prosperity and development,” added a statement issued by the Bhutan Chapter.
“Except for few trainings to journalists in camps, some advocacy calls for press freedom in Bhutan, and representation in regional-level conferences in Kathmandu, Bhutan Chapter actually could not do much alone,” said the Chapter, adding—“We have finally decided to announce the Chapter’s permanent shutdown to clarify public curiosity about its existence and activities.”
The Chapter also extended its gratitude to the International Federation of Journalists, Media Helping Media, Association of Press Freedom Activists- Bhutan, Bhutan Media Society, Bhutan Press Union, Media Network- Bhutan, among others for their cooperation and collaborations in the past to make calls for media freedom in Bhutan. “The Chapter’s closer, at this point, does not mean Bhutan now has complete media freedom,” reads the statement.
The statement further made it clear that the members of Bhutan Committee of the TWMN will continue to work in close coordination with other media bodies in exile for the common cause.
A seven-member Bhutan committee headed by TP Mishra was recognized and given affiliation at the TWMN in 2006.
