Many, many thanks to BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed for inviting me so graciously. Had you not been so humble, many people like us might not have come here today, because the kind of distinguished individuals you have brought together here usually do not attend invitations from any political party. My special request to you is that this humility should continue even if BNP comes to power and you are entrusted with ministerial responsibilities.
My remarks essentially have two dimensions—one is a fair election, and the other is an elected government. At present, there are many challenges on the path to holding a fair election. You are aware that recently several untoward incidents have taken place in Delhi and Dhaka, including attacks on newspaper offices.
Tomorrow (Monday), we have convened a meeting at Hotel Sonargaon with the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and the Editors’ Council, where political leaders, journalists, and representatives of civil society will be present. Together, we want to send a clear message that we seek a fair and internationally acceptable election, along with full freedom of expression.
If this election fails to gain domestic and international acceptance, a grave danger awaits us. Those of us who conduct business abroad are particularly concerned, as our foreign partners are watching the election with keen interest and anxiety, assessing how fair and credible it will be. In this regard, journalists and BNP, as the country’s largest political party, bear the greatest responsibility.
My request is that you keep the space open for us to offer constructive criticism. At the same time, if you are elected and assume responsibility for governing the state, and if you invite us in this manner every six months, we will be able to point out shortcomings constructively.
You will highlight our mistakes, and in doing so, ensure a space for accountability within your government. Those of us who run newspapers or media outlets are not always flawless in our presentation; we too make mistakes. You should point out our errors, but when we present the true picture of corruption or injustice, the government must take appropriate action. Only then will the aspiration of building a “New Bangladesh” be fulfilled, and our support will continue.
