Nurul Kabir, editor of New Age, on Saturday stressed the importance of media independence, saying, “Where there is no independence of the media across the world, there is no democratic transition.”
He was speaking at a gathering of editors and senior journalists during BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman’s first official meeting with the media, held at the Grand Ballroom of Sheraton Hotel in Banani.
Highlighting the challenges faced by journalists under the previous government, Nurul Kabir said many media personnel were made accused in different cases and were attacked, leaving them legally deprived of opportunities to defend themselves.
“There have been cases and attacks on some journalists, and legally there was no opportunity to fight those cases at that time. As the matter is ongoing, to properly identify the accused, our Editors’ Council has repeatedly informed the government at different times. The government has said that they will look into it. We want those against whom specific cases exist to face appropriate action, but the government has not ensured that their legal rights will be fully protected,” he said.
He also urged immediate action to prevent the repetition of past injustices against journalists. He stated, “I will try to convey my good wishes to you for this. As long as your influence exists at this moment, if we fail to prevent the repetition of the injustices committed by the previous government, then from the perspective of the press and its workers, we will not be able to set an example of just conduct,” he said.
He added, “Therefore, if you have the ability to make a positive impact, you should not wait but take steps to address this situation.”
Nurul Kabir expressed his hope that through these efforts, democratic freedom and the independence of the media can be upheld. “This essentially means giving power to those who have the responsibility to act,” he said.
The event was attended by editors of national dailies, heads of electronic media, senior officials of news agencies, and veteran journalists.
