BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has warned that divisions within the journalist community are pushing many media professionals under the influence of political figures, weakening press independence and deepening the ongoing media crisis.
He made the remarks on Monday at a discussion organised on the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission.
“Due to these divisions, journalists often end up in the pockets of politicians,” Fakhrul said, adding that past examples show segments of the media have at times actively protected authoritarian practices.
Stressing the role of state institutions, he cautioned that reforms will have little impact unless they are sincerely embraced and implemented.
Fakhrul also noted that if the BNP returns to power, it will adopt positive and constructive measures to strengthen and support the country’s media sector.
