Newspaper editors and senior journalists from media outlets on Sunday sought assurance from BNP of a free and fearless environment for pursuing journalism.
Concerned about their security following the Thursday night attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, journalists expressed such expectations to the largest political party in Bangladesh.
They placed their expectations before the party’s senior leaders at a view exchange meeting, organised by BNP at a hotel in the capital. Editors of daily newspapers, online news portals, heads of news of radio and television stations, and media personalities were invited at the event BNP organised on the occasion of the homecoming of the party’s acting chairman Tarique Rahman.
Highlighting the atmosphere of fear at workplaces, journalists said that even though BNP is not in power, as the country’s largest political party alongside the government, BNP now bears a special responsibility.
The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, referring to the recent attacks on the media offices, also said, “Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were set on fire, but why? What crime did we commit?”
He called upon journalists to seek answers to this question.
“Even while standing at this moment, we want to look toward the future. Everyone must work to bring the issues of criticism and freedom of expression onto a healthy platform.”
At this moment, he said, BNP is showing a cordial attitude toward the media. “One reason for this may be that the party has not yet formally come to power. When they will come to power, it will then be seen whether their mindset of accepting criticism remains as it is now.”
He said that over the past half-century, whoever has been in power in the country has not liked criticism by the media. But if good governance is to be established, analytical and critical journalism is indispensable. He hoped that future Bangladesh and Bangladeshi politics would enter this new environment.
Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, rather than focusing on the recent attacks, described how the government had controlled the media in the past. He also offered advice on what needs to be done to maintain stability in the country in the future.
The editor said, “During the 15–16 years of authoritarian rule, newspapers had to go through the greatest pressure and fear. Among any previous military or civilian governments, this was the most risky period. The country has witnessed incidents where journalists were sent to jail on false cases.”
He said that ownership of newspapers was changed and editors were replaced, and that direct obstacles were created to media freedom. If the July uprising had not taken place, the same would have happened in the case of Prothom Alo and its editor, and the newspaper’s environment would not be what it is now.
“Regardless of party affiliation, those who stood by us in incidents of attacks on the country’s media, we believe this solidarity will continue. The previous autocratic period was a difficult time for the media. We also hope that this will come to an end in the future,” he said.
Matiur Rahman further said, “At this moment, BNP is the country’s largest party. If the party comes to power, it will have to allow the media to work more freely.” At the same time, he called on BNP to build national unity to maintain stability in the country.
Manabzamin Editor-in-Chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said, “The biggest challenge ahead will be maintaining security in the media. Such a situation is prevailing all around that no one feels safe. Our expectation from the BNP is to give us security so that we can write the truth.”
Senior journalist and head of the Media Reform Commission Kamal Ahmed said, “We do not want phone calls from any security agencies. We want to work fearlessly.” He also raised the issue of journalists being physically assaulted even after the July uprising.
AK Azad, publisher of Daily Samakal, said, “If the upcoming national election is not made acceptable, the country could fall into crisis. For that reason, newspapers must be allowed to work fearlessly to hold a free and fair election.”
Jamuna Television Chief Executive Officer Fahim Ahmed said, “Many people have been hurt by the attacks on the Prothom Alo and Daily Star buildings. There have been protests and demonstrations, and many have also expressed jubilation. However, questions remain about the role of BNP.”
“BNP may say that it is not in power. But even without being in power, it could have stood firmly against this and played a role,” he said, asking: Has BNP been able to stand against this? Have BNP leaders and activists spoken out forcefully against it?”
Among others present at the event were Jaijaidin Editor Shafik Rehman, UNB Editor Mahfuzur Rahman, Jugantor’s Abdul Hai Shikder, Kaler Kantho Editor Hasan Hafiz, Naya Diganta Editor Salahuddin Muhammad Babar, Khaborer Kagoj Editor Mostafa Kamal, Ajker Patrika acting editor Kamrul Hasan, Bangladesher Khabor acting editor Syed Mezbah Uddin, Amar Desh Executive Editor Syed Abdal Ahmed, Inqilab editor AKM Bahauddin, Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, and other senior journalists.
BNP assures guarantee
After listening to the journalists’ views, BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said BNP believes in differing opinions. If BNP comes to power, it will ensure a safe environment for journalism, he assured.
“There are questions as to why no action was taken despite the government having intelligence information regarding the attacks on Prothom Alo and Daily Star offices. The whole world has seen this attack on the media, which is a shame for the nation. We cannot, in any way, end this merely by expressing sorrow or apologising. Here, the government had the greatest ’s responsibility.”
BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi also assured that a safe working environment for the media would be ensured in the future.
