Criticising the role of media during former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime, BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday said that journalists should not serve political parties, but instead, act as the voice of the people.
He said this while addressing an event at Chittagong Press Club marking the first anniversary of the July Uprising.
Speaking as chief guest at the “Journalist-Student-Public Gathering” at the club, Khosru said, “You don’t need to be BNP’s journalists. Be journalists of the nation, of the people. That is the promise of a new Bangladesh.”
“Those who stood with autocrats in the name of journalism are not true journalists. Standing in front of the Press Club to support a party or an individual turned them into political workers, not journalists,” he said.
He reflected on the last 15 years of journalism under Sheikh Hasina’s rule, claiming many sold out their integrity and sided with fascist powers for personal gain.
The BNP leader praised Tarique Rahman’s stance on media freedom, referencing a past incident where a cartoon criticising him was defended in support of free speech.
He called for neutral, ethical journalism that highlights people’s voices and national rights, aligning with BNP’s 31-point vision for a democratic Bangladesh.
The event included speeches, cultural performances and a photo exhibition titled “July Uprising Through the Lens.”
Chaired by Jahidul Karim Kochi, member secretary of Chittagong Press Club, the event featured speeches from special guests including Abul Hashem Bakkar, former general secretary of Chattogram Metropolitan BNP, Abu Sufiyan, former convenor of South District BNP, journalists, and cultural personalities.