Journalists must not compromise on professionalism: Information adviser

Information and Broadcasting Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan today (2 February) said journalists must remain uncompromising on professionalism and refrain from partisan allegiance under any circumstances.

She made the remarks while addressing the "Media Festival 2026", organised by the July Revolutionary Journalists Alliance at the National Press Club in Dhaka.

The adviser said journalists must avoid the language of threats and intimidation and uphold professional ethics to secure a dignified position in society. She urged them to uphold the constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and the right to form organisations..

She noted that differences of opinion may exist among journalists, but objectivity must remain the core principle of journalism. The main message of the event, she said, was to ensure that not only authoritarianism but also authoritarian systems never return.

Referring to media reforms, Rizwana Hasan said it was disappointing that a media commission and a broadcasting ordinance had not been enacted even after 54 years. She said efforts were underway to introduce the two ordinances based on the opinions of the government, journalists and other stakeholders. If that was not possible due to time constraints, at least final drafts would be prepared.

She added that the draft ordinances had been uploaded to the ministry's website for public opinion, based on the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission.

At the programme, martyr journalist Tahir Zaman Priyo's mother, Samsi Ara Zaman, said journalists must be ensured dignified livelihoods and facilities so that fascism cannot exploit them.

The event was also addressed by several journalists and political leaders. A hotline number, 09644111444, was inaugurated to assist journalists while performing duties during the upcoming referendum and election.