There is no alternative to ensuring financial security and protection of journalists in order to achieve media freedom, speakers said at a panel discussion jointly organised by UNESCO Dhaka Office, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and the Embassy of Sweden on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2025.
It is impossible to realize the expectations of a free media without ensuring salaries and allowances commensurate with the standard of living of journalists at the national and local levels, and an environment of pressure-free and fear-free journalism, they added.
Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam was present as the chief guest at the event titled “Brave New Bangladesh: Reform Roadmap for Press Freedom,” while Chief of the Media Reform Commission Kamal Ahmed spoke as the keynote speaker.
The event was also attended by the ambassador of Sweden to Bangladesh Nicolas Weeks, and the head of UNESCO Office in Dhaka Dr. Susan Vize.
The panel discussion was attended by Rezwanul Haque Raja, Chairman of the Broadcast Journalist Center, Sheikh Sabiha Alam, Bureau Chief of AFP, and AK Azad, Managing Director of Times Media Limited.
Executive Director of TIB Iftekharuzzaman moderated the discussion.
Adviser Mahfuj Alam said accountability is essential for protecting the interests of journalists.
Journalists should have the opportunity to ask questions, he said, adding that journalists can also face questions. "Members of parliament can be asked, officials of the judiciary can be asked, intelligence agencies can be asked, but journalists cannot be asked—I don't want this to happen."
Mahfuj said, "Those who are policymakers in the media, from where their news or opinions are generated, should definitely have the opportunity to ask questions."
Regarding cases against journalists, he said, "Many centers of power have been created and case business is still ongoing. It will continue until reforms are ensured."
"So, everyone must work to ensure the implementation of reforms quickly. I think no freedom is unconditional. Journalists must also be accountable to the public," he added.
Iftekharuzzaman, the executive director of TIB, said that the media's duty is to present unbiased, independent journalism in the public interest. Ensuring that journalists or the media are not harassed in the name of accountability is essential for this unbiased and independent journalism.
Ambassador Nicolas Weeks said, “Freedom of the media does not only mean freedom of expression, but also equality within the media. Only 10% of journalists in Bangladesh are women, and positive change is necessary in this regard. The newsroom must be prepared as a place where women can work comfortably, he added.