Journalists key bridge between parliament and people: Speaker

Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad today (4 June) underscored the importance of journalists as a bridge between Parliament and people, saying that lawmakers and media professionals must work together to move the country forward.

The current Parliament carries enormous public expectations and must remain closely connected to people, he said while speaking at an exchange of views with members of the executive committee of the Bangladesh Parliament Journalists' Association (BPJA) at his conference room in Parliament.

Calling for responsible journalism, he said media professionals should "call white white and black black" and provide constructive criticism to help make Parliament more effective.

The Speaker said the present Parliament was established through huge sacrifice and bloodshed and therefore bears a responsibility to fulfil the aspirations of  people.

He said  the country's institutions have deteriorated over the past two decades and stressed the need for people-oriented politics and a strong relationship between Parliament and citizens.

"If this Parliament fails to meet public expectations, people will become disappointed," he said, expressing hope that journalists would contribute to meeting those expectations through their professional work.

Hafiz Uddin said damage done to journalism during the BAKSAL- era had never been fully overcome.

He said many journalists had remained influenced by that legacy and argued that the country's media now enjoys greater freedom.

He criticised the previous Awami League government, alleging enforced disappearances, the establishment of secret detention facilities and widespread economic misappropriation during its tenure.

He said the strength of ordinary citizens, students, youth and their families ultimately compelled the party to leave power.

The Speaker stressed that national interests must remain paramount and welcomed what he described as a relatively constructive role by the opposition.
"The opposition's job is to criticise the government's mistakes and shortcomings, and they are doing that. The government's responsibility is to make Parliament effective. Both sides must work together to strengthen Parliament," he said.

During the meeting, BPJA leaders highlighted several difficulties encountered in parliamentary reporting, and the Speaker pledged to take steps to resolve those issues.

The BPJA delegation was led by its President Harun Jamil and General Secretary Shawkat Ali Khan Litho.

Among others present were Joint General Secretary Mizanur Rahman, Office Secretary Nazmul Islam (Tanim Ahmed), and executive committee members Mashiur Rahman, Monirul Islam and Habibur Rahman Panchayet.

Officials of the Parliament Secretariat also attended the meeting.