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Speakers at a discussion marking World Press Freedom Day on Sunday underscored the urgent need for ensuring press freedom, repeal of repressive laws, and end to harassment of journalists.
Despite improvement in Bangladesh's ranking in the global press freedom index, they called for greater accountability from both political actors and media institutions, warning that freedom of expression remains under serious threat due to state and non-state actors, partisan and corporate influence, and a pervasive culture of impunity.
The event, organised by the Editors' Council at the Jatiya Press Club, brought together politicians, editors, and civil society leaders who shared concerns over censorship, the weaponisation of laws, and mounting pressure on the media landscape.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir reaffirmed his party's unwavering commitment to press freedom, pledging support for journalists regardless of whether the BNP is in power or in opposition.
"We assure you without hesitation that the BNP has always championed freedom of the press and will continue to do so under any circumstances," he said.
National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam expressed concerns over the selective portrayal of political statements in the media. He voiced hopes for more constructive relations between political parties and media outlets going forward.
Nahid also urged the government to act on the recommendations put forth by the Media Reform Commission, stating that implementing these would significantly improve the country's media environment.
He said the media is one of the institutions that has been controlled and influenced by fascism and has undergone the same kind of partisanship seen in all other institutions over the past 16 years of a fascist regime.
In his speech as chair of the event, Daily Star Editor and Editors' Council President Mahfuz Anam said the practice of filing mass cases against journalists was a serious obstacle to press freedom.
He urged the government to address the cases on an urgent basis.
Expressing concern, he said, "There are currently 266 journalists facing charges related to murder or violent crimes. How is that even possible?"
"It has been six to seven months, and there has been no visible progress in the investigations. While we appreciate that the government has not made arrests in all these cases, many of these journalists are living in constant fear -- especially of mob attacks."
Mahfuz added that while the government was committed to bringing about a change, reforming institutions, strengthening democracy, and upholding freedom of expression, journalists continued to be targeted with lawsuits, including fabricated murder charges.
New Age Editor Nurul Kabir said the interim government did not appear to have a clear policy either for governance or for reforms they have been speaking about.
He noted that while there was a hope in Bangladesh's improved ranking in the press freedom index, there was also despair due to some negative developments in the media landscape.
Kabir asserted that media freedom was under threat due to repressive laws and actions by the state.
"The state and its administration have passed laws and enacted regulations that restrict press freedom. Politicians must take responsibility for this. Over the past 16 years, journalists have faced continued repression due to these notorious laws," he said.
Manab Zamin Editor-in-Chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury remarked, "We are celebrating Free Press Day in a country where journalists lose their jobs for asking questions. It is very surprising -- I am surprised. I don't know who to blame. Should I blame the government? No. Should I blame the owner? No. What has the journalist union done? Our Editors' Council, in which I have been a treasurer since its inception, I think we have also failed."
National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz expressed his hope that the newly promised political landscape would not replicate the governance patterns witnessed over the past 16 years.
Ganosanghati Andolan Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki called for repeal of all laws that contain clauses restricting media freedom.
He also urged the government to revise relevant laws to stop media monopolisation and ensure plurality and transparency in media ownership.
Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna also emphasised the importance of ensuring freedom of the media, adding that there are limits to that freedom.
The Financial Express Editor Shamsul Huq Zahid, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, and Daily Inqilab Editor AKM Bahauddin, among others, were present at the event, which was moderated by Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud.
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