Chief whip urges journalists to safeguard democracy
Nurul Islam said the country had endured 17 years of autocratic rule, during which freedom of speech, parliamentary governance, and the rule of law were absent.
Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam has called on journalists to play a vital role in protecting and strengthening democracy in the country.
"In the changed circumstances, you can play an important role in consolidating democracy. You can be fighters in the struggle to keep democracy alive," he said while speaking at a views-exchange meeting with the reporters at the parliament building's LD Hall today (27 April).
Nurul Islam said the country had endured 17 years of autocratic rule, during which freedom of speech, parliamentary governance, and the rule of law were absent.
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He urged journalists to support the government as long as it performs well, while also offering constructive criticism when necessary.
"If I do good work, stand by me. If I do wrong or create problems, you should criticise me logically and point out my mistakes. After all, everyone can make mistakes," he said.
The chief whip further described journalists as "fighters" in the struggle to establish democracy and empower people economically, adding that while they may not gain personal benefits, their contributions would hold value in the hereafter.
Highlighting the government's recent initiatives, he said that despite starting with a fragile economy, the government has identified key economic challenges within two months and taken steps such as implementing family cards and farmer cards.
Referring to past governance, he alleged that funds equivalent to seven national budgets had been laundered out of the country.
He also cited the 1974 famine and said that former president Ziaur Rahman had turned the country into a food-surplus nation within three years of assuming power.
Nurul also added that former prime minister Khaleda Zia worked to stabilise the economy and claimed that current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is following the path shown by his predecessors.
Journalists raised various challenges, recommendations, and issues related to facilitating their professional duties in the 13th National Parliament.
Senior journalists at the meeting also praised the country's ongoing democratic transition.
