The anniversary of national daily “TIMES of Bangladesh” was celebrated in Nilphamari through a discussion meeting highlighting media objectivity, state accountability, and pressing ethical challenges in the journalism sector.
The event was presided over by the Advisory Editor of the newspaper, Elias Ali Khan, and moderated by its Nilphamari District Correspondent, Sajjad Ahmed Tan.
Freedom Fighter and former Chairman of Nilphamari Zila Parishad, Md Zoynal Abedin, attended the discussion as the chief guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Zoynal extended anniversary greetings to the editor, journalists, and staff of the publication.
He said objectivity, courage, and responsibility constitute the fundamental strength of any news outlet.
Elias raised serious concerns over unethical practices and structural flaws within the country’s media industry.
He pointed out a glaring discrepancy between the actual circulation of many newspapers and their official claimed numbers.
Elias added that several publications with minimal market presence claim massive circulation figures on paper, leading to a crisis of trust among readers, advertisers, and the wider media.
He also criticised business owners who establish media entities primarily to protect their commercial interests, turning journalism into an instrument for private gain and undermining its primary purpose.
Other speakers at the meeting stressed that news outlets must remain responsible, objective, and fact-driven to ensure accountability across state and societal institutions.
They also extended their best wishes for the continued growth and prosperity of TIMES.
Managing Editor Md Nahid Hossain, former Nilphamari Press Club President Tahmin Haq Bobby, Press Club President Manjurul Alam Siam, General Secretary Milladur Rahman Mamun, and Journalists’ Union President Yasin Mohammad Shithun. Local journalists, dignitaries, students, and representatives of social and cultural bodies were also present.
