BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed has announced that full independence for journalists and the media will be guaranteed if the party is voted to power.
He made the remarks while speaking at a ‘Meet the Press’ exchange meeting in Chakaria, outlining the BNP’s 31-point commitment to the nation.
Salahuddin urged journalists to place professional integrity above corporate interests, saying media professionals should remain accountable to their conscience rather than their employers.
“If you remain accountable to your conscience, the country’s media will truly remain independent,” he said.
Addressing claims of political divisions within the profession, the BNP leader dismissed the notion, saying the media must always play a neutral role.
He also stressed the social responsibility of journalists, urging them to prevent the spread of misinformation and disinformation to avoid misleading the public.
Referring to the political situation over the past 16–17 years, Salahuddin alleged that the media had been politicised, which he said weakened democratic practices.
He said democracy cannot function properly without a free and neutral press, adding that protecting democracy must remain the primary objective of the media.
“We will implement our commitment to establishing an independent, open and strong media, Insha’Allah,” he said.
Salahuddin Ahmed is contesting the upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election as the BNP candidate for the Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency, which includes Chakaria and Pekua, with the ‘Sheaf of Paddy’ symbol.
