From correspondents in Dhaka, Bangladesh, 04:01 PM IST

No arrest warrant will be issued against Bangladeshi journalists and writers accused of defamation. The government has approved in principle a change in the law.

A provision in the Code of Criminal Procedure (Amendment) Bill 2009 will be dropped so that courts do not issue warrants for arresting journalists and writers accused in defamation cases.

The approval was given at the weekly meeting of the cabinet Monday, New Age newspaper said.

According to Schedule II of the Code of Criminal Procedure 1898, offences of defamation under sections 500, 501 and 502 are bailable and also compoundable.

According to the proposed amendment, instead of issuing an arrest warrant, the courts will summon journalists, editors or writers accused in defamation cases.

(Staff Writer, © IANS)