Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on all pro-democracy forces to remain united in safeguarding press freedom, describing media independence as a hard-earned achievement that must be protected through collective effort.
Speaking at a discussion organised at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Tuesday, Mirza Fakhrul said the country’s democratic journey had created an opportunity to strengthen freedom of expression and ensure a more independent media environment.
The event was jointly organised by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists and the Dhaka Union of Journalists to mark "Black Day for Newspapers," a day observed to reflect on challenges faced by the media sector.
Addressing journalists and media professionals, Mirza Fakhrul said the current government remains committed to protecting press freedom and creating an environment where journalists can work independently. He noted that democratic rights and freedoms had been achieved through long struggles and should not be taken for granted.
The BNP leader also criticised the Awami League, claiming that the party's record did not align with democratic principles. He further warned that certain groups were attempting to create instability and weaken law and order through misinformation campaigns on social media platforms.
Fakhrul urged citizens and democratic forces to remain vigilant against false narratives and propaganda, emphasising the importance of unity in confronting such challenges.
He reiterated his party's position against discrimination based on religion, caste or identity, saying all citizens should enjoy equal rights and opportunities regardless of their background.
During his speech, Fakhrul also argued that incidents of repression against journalists were at their lowest during BNP administrations. At the same time, he acknowledged ongoing concerns within the media industry, particularly regarding the treatment of journalists by some newspaper owners.
The discussion was attended by Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon as a special guest. Keynote remarks were delivered by BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, while DUJ President Shahidul Islam chaired the programme.
Other speakers included representatives from journalist welfare organisations, media editors and senior members of the press community, who discussed the challenges facing journalism and the importance of protecting media rights in a democratic society.
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