Editors and senior journalists on Sunday urged BNP to guarantee full press freedom and critical journalism if the party returns to power, stressing that independent media must be protected as a pillar of democracy.
Speaking at a views-exchange meeting, they also said the press is facing one of the toughest periods in Bangladesh’s history following arson attacks on the offices of two leading dailies, calling for unity and long-term commitment beyond political divisions.
They also asked BNP to remain tolerant of criticisms in the future and ensure accountability if it forms the next government.
The programme, organised by BNP, was held at a city hotel ahead of Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman’s homecoming on 25 December, after nearly 18 years in exile in London.
The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam said no media outlet in Bangladesh’s 53-year history had ever faced arson attacks like the recent ones.
“Bangladesh is currently in a deeply devastated state as its institutions are being challenged and destroyed. Please remember that in 53 years, no media office had ever been set on fire. For the first time, the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star have been attacked with arson. Why did this happen? What crime did we commit?” he asked.
Mahfuz Anam urged political parties to accept critical journalism as essential for good governance and press freedom. While freedom of expression exists in the country, there is little space for expressing critical opinions, he said.
“What we need is the freedom to criticise. One major lesson from our 53 years of politics is that no government has fully accepted critical journalism. I hope that in a new Bangladesh, you will embrace it,” Mahfuz Anam said.
The noted editor said critical journalism is not only about press freedom but also an opportunity for good governance.
He expressed the hope that the new Bangladesh, to be built under Tarique Rahman’s leadership, will encourage independent media. “Building a new Bangladesh will require creating a new media environment and this presents a unique opportunity for Tarique Rahman,” he said.
Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman called the 16 years of Awami League rule a “difficult period for the media,” citing false cases, arrests, ownership changes and pressure on newsrooms.
He said BNP’s previous period in power had been comparatively more comfortable for the media.
“BNP is the biggest political force now and carries the responsibility to protect press freedom,” the editor said, urging leaders and activists to remain humble if they return to power.
“I think there is a political vacuum in the country at the moment. This is a dangerous situation and it is somewhat difficult for BNP as well,” he said.
The editor also expressed gratitude to all political parties and people from different professions who stood by them after the arson attacks on the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star.
Manabzamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said the country is going through an unstable and difficult time. “The country is divided, and it’s very challenging to have dialogue amid such division. But attending today’s event has been very encouraging for me.”
“If BNP comes to power in the future, it is now clear from the statements of Salahuddin Ahmed and Rizvi Ahmed what the media policy will be. I want to be very hopeful that if these steps are implemented, the media in Bangladesh will move forward,” he added.
Chowdhury said Tarique Rahman is returning at a time when security is the biggest concern in Bangladesh. “Many challenges lie ahead. People want to feel safe, but currently, they do not.”
He said with road blockades, attacks on the Indian High Commissioner’s residence in Delhi, assaults on security guards, and the recent attacks on The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, the situation is uncertain. “What will happen next, we do not know. In this situation, the public has very high expectations from BNP. People expect BNP to stand by them”
“To face the challenges ahead, we must work together in unity. The existence of the state could be at risk. If we are not united, the state could be endangered, and if the state falls, none of us will be safe,” Chowdhury added.
Jaijaidin Editor Shafik Rehman said journalists have a duty to criticise, which is important, but they must also acknowledge and praise the government’s good work.
The veteran editor said journalists have a duty to do both—praise and criticism. “Becoming a journalist does not give you a free licence to criticise the government or Mr Yunus. The government can make mistakes, and journalists can make mistakes too. But the most important thing is to have the courage to admit those mistakes.”
