Hasnat Abdullah criticises media of serving political interests, highlights risks to democracy

National Citizen Party’s (NCP) Chief Organiser for Southern region Hasnat Abdullah on Saturday accused media owners of curbing journalistic freedom and turning outlets into tools for political agendas.

Speaking at an election rally organised by the Jamaat-led 11-party alliance in Phultala Upazila of Khulna, Hasnat said journalists often wish to report the truth but are restricted by owners who act as intermediaries for political interests.

“Many journalists come to us and share their frustrations. They want to publish news, but their broker-like owners do not allow it,” Hasnat said, stressing that such control undermines the public’s right to information.

He alleged that following the formation of the current government on 5 August, certain groups took over television channels, media houses and government institutions, creating what he called a “media mafia rule.”

While some outlets supported the public during last July’s mass uprising, most remained silent, he said.

“When the people awaken, they do not need media - every citizen becomes media,” he remarked.

Highlighting the risks of partisan journalism, Hasnat warned that outlets serving specific political parties lose credibility and risk public rejection.

“The media does not need to serve BNP, Jamaat, or NCP. It must serve the truth,” he said.

Turning to election integrity, Hasnat claimed that past elections had been manipulated through practices like stuffing ballots, daytime votes counted at night, and dummy candidates.

He urged law enforcement officials to remain impartial in the 12 February election, reminding them of their responsibility to the nation and the public.

“If illegal money touches your hands, even the Throne of Allah will tremble,” he cautioned, warning that attempts to rig elections could provoke widespread public uprisings.

Hasnat called for unity and pledged that an NCP-led administration would ensure a corruption-free system in which police postings and promotions are based on merit, not political lobbying.

He encouraged officers to stand with the people to restore trust in the electoral process and secure citizens’ safety.

The rally also featured speeches by Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General and Khulna-5 constituency candidate Mia Golam Parwar and other alliance leaders.