Bangladesh is currently facing a difficult transition from an authoritarian system to a democratic one, said Nurul Kabir, president of the Editors’ Council.
Amid ongoing struggles for political and institutional reform, attacks are being carried out on democratic institutions in the name of democracy, which he described as deeply alarming.
Those involved in the recent attacks on the media have not embraced the spirit of the July uprising. Rather, they are using the name of July to destroy that very spirit, said Nurul Kabir, also New Age editor.
He made the remarks on Saturday morning at the auditorium of the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh in Dhaka’s Khamarbari, during the opening speech of “Media Convention 2026” jointly organised by the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and the Editors’ Council.
The media convention was organised to protest attacks on freedom of expression and democratic values. The event began around 10:15am, with the national anthem, followed by a documentary highlighting the convention’s objectives.
The aspiration to establish democracy can never be a crime, and the desire for inclusive democracy is never criminal. He alleged that the state or government has shown a tendency to silence democratic institutions—sometimes through legal means, and sometimes by using force outside the law.
He noted that the recent movement began with attacks on two newspaper offices. In this context, he questioned under what identity and in the name of what spirit these attacks were carried out.
He further said those carrying out the attacks are invoking the names of July’s uprising activists and speaking of the July struggle. In doing so, they are insulting the fundamental democratic spirit of July.
Referring to the attack on The Daily Star building, Nurul Kabir said the slogans written and posters hung inside the building clearly reflected the democratic spirit and aspirations at work there. If a newspaper office is set ablaze to erase those memories, the meaning is obvious.
“They have not embraced the spirit of July; rather, they are using the name of July to try to destroy that spirit,” he said.
Vandalising buildings, destroying equipment, or setting fires is not a natural expression of anger, it is sheer barbarity. At this stage of civilisation, attempting to trap journalists inside a building and set fire around them amounts to trying to burn them alive.
Nurul Kabir said a democratic society must have diverse opinions and voices. This diversity enriches society. With this understanding, he called on everyone to unite and move forward collectively.
