Editors, journalists stress good governance, press freedom at meet-and-greet with Tarique
“We cannot be courageous because of mob violence. When media and newspaper offices are set on fire, it becomes extremely worrying," Manabzamin Editor-in-Chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury says
Highlightgs
- Editors stress democracy, press freedom, and good governance
- Climate change, river pollution, and groundwater depletion flagged as urgent concerns.
- Media freedom seen as essential for democratic transition, amid fears over mob violence.
- Calls for banking sector accountability and action against money laundering.
- Appeal to control prices and reform policing, with a proposal for journalist pensions.
Editors and journalists today (10 January) shared their concerns, expectations, and visions for Bangladesh's democratic future during an exchange of views with BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman.
The meet-and-greet, held at a hotel in Dhaka, brought together senior figures from print media, television, and online media, where discussions focused on democracy, press freedom, governance, political culture, and emerging national challenges.
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Speaking at the programme, Mahfuz Anam, editor of The Daily Star, said, "We want democracy, independent journalism, and good governance."
He noted that political parties are paying insufficient attention to climate change despite Bangladesh being one of the world's most vulnerable countries.
"Bangladesh is already seeing the impact of climate change in coastal areas. Climate change should be a very important priority," he said.
Mahfuz further said, "It is quite incredible how we are moving towards river pollution and doing nothing about it. Another major issue is our groundwater, which also needs to be addressed."
"We are one of the richest countries in terms of water resources, yet we are polluting all our rivers," he added.
Nurul Kabir, editor of New Age, reflected on the political dynamics witnessed during the mass uprising, saying various trends in the political spectrum became visible, with right-wing, left-wing, and centrist political forces all actively involved.
"We cannot be courageous because of mob violence. When media and newspaper offices are set on fire, it becomes extremely worrying
He noted that alongside them were millions of people who were not directly affiliated with any political group but wanted to see a peaceful social and political order, and who also made sacrifices.
"Instead of blaming one another, this is the time to discuss how to move forward by giving political and social developments an institutional shape, which would be a fair response at this moment," he added.
Nurul Kabir further said, "There has never been a place in the world where democracy was established without legal, political, social, and cultural freedom of the media. As a result, the struggle for democracy and the democratic freedom of the media go hand in hand.
"If we want a democratic transformation in Bangladesh in the future, there must be a democratic environment for journalism alongside democratic politics."
He also said that when comparing different political periods, it must be acknowledged that there was greater tolerance during BNP rule than under the Awami League government.
Addressing Tarique Rahman directly, Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh, said the BNP chairman had been outside the country for 17 years and may not fully grasp what transpired during that time.
"You have listened to what your people told you, and now you are listening to what your new friends in the media are telling you. But that is not the full history of the past 17 years," he said, adding that he would like to present his account if such discussions are held again in the future.
In reply, Tarique Rahman said, "I kept close track of the country's affairs while abroad. I haven't been able to stay in the country for a long time. I won't go into the reasons why I couldn't stay; everyone has a more or less clear idea about that."
Manabzamin Editor-in-Chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said journalists want the freedom to write and speak, noting that while press freedom has increased since 5 August 2024, it remains constrained due to mob violence.
"We cannot be courageous because of mob violence. When media and newspaper offices are set on fire, it becomes extremely worrying," he said.
Sharing his expectations from Tarique Rahman, Matiur said the challenges ahead are serious and cannot be addressed by any single party acting alone. "If attempts are made only from within one party, the same mistakes of the past will be repeated, and we may reach a point from which it will be difficult to return," he warned.
He also claimed that the country is facing an existential crisis due to rising extremism, adding that, at this moment, there is no alternative to Tarique Rahman to free the country from this threat.
Shafik Rehman, founding editor of Daily Jaijaidin, advised Tarique Rahman that the days ahead will be highly challenging and that firmness will be required in certain areas.
He stressed the need to closely monitor Bangladesh Bank, stating, "Individuals linked to Sheikh Hasina's son Sajeeb Wazed Joy were placed in the central bank, and that billions of dollars were siphoned off from the country's foreign exchange reserves through collusion."
He questioned why former governor Atiur Rahman disclosed the matter only later and said a special committee should be formed to investigate the issue. He also called for strong measures to stop money laundering through commercial banks.
Shafik further said commodity prices must be kept under control for ordinary people, including farmers, drivers, and domestic workers. He emphasised the need to instil new ethics and values within the police force so that it can maintain a balance between the government and the public.
He also proposed introducing a pension system for journalists' families.
Referring to a recent survey, Shafik said 70% of people are interested in voting for the BNP, and stressed that this support must be translated into votes.
