Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed on Wednesday emphasised that a free, responsible and independent media is essential for safeguarding democracy, saying the BNP sees media reform as a key pillar of democratic reconstruction.
Speaking at a “Meet the Press” programme with journalists from Cox’s Bazar’s Chakaria and Pekua at the Royal Palace Community Centre in Chakaria Upazila, Salahuddin said BNP’s reform agenda places strong importance on restoring institutional credibility in the media sector.
He said the party plans to establish a dedicated media reform commission and review recommendations from existing reform initiatives to ensure a sustainable and professional media environment.
Salahuddin noted that in the modern digital era, information travels across borders instantly, making the role of journalists more influential than ever before.
“Democracy grows stronger where media can operate freely and responsibly,” he said, adding that media independence directly affects the strength of democratic institutions.
Recalling the post-1991 political period, he said the expansion of electronic media during the tenure of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia created new opportunities for journalism and contributed significantly to the sector’s growth.
However, he claimed that over the past decade and a half, political polarisation within the media has weakened democratic norms. According to him, this trend has undermined public trust and distorted the media’s watchdog role.
Salahuddin stressed that journalists have a duty to protect the country’s sovereignty, independence and democratic values. Addressing media professionals directly, he urged them to work with integrity and conscience rather than external influence.
Local BNP leaders and senior journalists from Cox’s Bazar District also attended the programme, which focused on the challenges and future direction of Bangladesh’s media landscape.
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