A robust editorial institution is essential for maintaining journalistic integrity in Bangladesh, said The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam on Saturday.
“Now is the right time to practise ethical journalism in Bangladesh. If media editors can maintain the standards of editorial institutions, journalism will also be of high quality,” said Mahfuz Anam while speaking at the Media Conference–2026 organised at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) in the capital.
Mahfuz Anam said the primary objective of journalism is to serve society, as journalists are responsible for providing neutral and factual information to all.
He said that the Constitution guarantees the highest degree of independence to only two professions—judiciary and journalism.
Referring to journalists being questioned at times through contempt proceedings, Mahfuz Anam said journalists never show disrespect to the judiciary. “Journalists always present judicial information before people with the highest respect. The people of the country have the right to know these facts.”
Independent journalism is most beneficial for the government, Mahfuz Anam said, adding that government agencies or intelligence bodies often fail to provide accurate information. “Everyone wants to keep the government happy. Only independent journalism can inform the government about what is really happening in the country.”
Addressing the government, Mahfuz Anam said public budgets are not the government’s own money but belong to the people. “Journalists make the public aware of how this money is spent through news reports. Exposing corruption in projects does not mean going against the government; rather, it ensures that public money is not siphoned off.”
About media owners, Mahfuz Anam said journalism cannot be treated like other businesses where investment and profit are the sole considerations, and urged editors not to act under the influence of media owners.
Describing robust journalism as a complement to democracy, Mahfuz said a code of conduct would soon be formulated. “We will practise ethical journalism by collectively following this code of conduct.”
Editors from different media outlets at the event stressed the highest importance of independent journalism in safeguarding the country’s democratic journey.
They pledged to work in unity in the future and resist any attack on journalism.