Saleh Shibly, the newly appointed Press Secretary to BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, on Saturday said that a responsible, independent and democratic media is essential for establishing an accountable government.

“After taking on this responsibility, I would like to say that the plan Tarique Rahman has made to build a democratic, humane and self-reliant Bangladesh, with the participation of democracy- and freedom-loving people, requires a government that is accountable to people through their votes,” he said.

Talking to reporters at the BNP Chairperson’s Gulshan office, Shibly also said, “A prerequisite for establishing a democratic and accountable government is a responsible, independent and democratic media.”

He said that if the country is to move towards its desired goals and become a self-reliant Bangladesh, it is necessary to understand the hopes and aspirations of the people, and for this, a responsible and independent media is indispensable. “We will do that job.”

“As part of my new role, representing both the party and the people, it is my duty to maintain strong and effective communication with newspapers and the media. I will carry out this task to the best of my ability, and for this, the cooperation of everyone is essential,” said Tarique’s press secretary.

Earlier in the day, BNP appointed journalist AAM Saleh, widely known as Saleh Shibly, as the Press Secretary to Tarique Rahman.

The appointment was announced through a press release signed by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi.

Saleh Shibly has long handled key press and administrative responsibilities under Tarique Rahman and was made chief of the BNP press coordination team formed on 1 November last year.