Wanted democracy, but got mobocracy: Salahuddin

BNP Standing Committee member Salahuddin Ahmed today (21 December) expressed concern over a growing trend of targeting media outlets, saying mobocracy is flourishing instead of the democratic transition people had fought for.

"We wanted democracy. But why should it turn into mobocracy? Why should it be allowed to flourish? It is the government's weakness that has encouraged mob rule, and it must be suppressed firmly," he said at an exchange of views with editors and media personalities at a Dhaka hotel.

The discussion was organised by the BNP ahead of the scheduled return of the party's acting chairman Tarique Rahman on 25 December.

Salahuddin said the recent attacks on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were a shame for the nation. "The whole world has seen these scenes. It is a matter of shame for us." He said the gravity of the incidents could not be mitigated through mere expressions of regret or apologies.

Placing primary responsibility on the interim government, Salahuddin questioned the authorities' failure to act despite reportedly having prior intelligence about the attacks.

"The world has seen Prothom Alo and The Daily Star being set on fire. It is a matter of great shame for us," he said, alleging that law enforcement agencies responded slowly.

While acknowledging that journalists may hold diverse political views, he urged them to prioritise national interests. "We want to forget the past, but we must remember what the fascist forces have done."

He assured the media that if the people entrust the BNP with governing the country, the party would extend maximum cooperation to the press.

Expect humility, civility from BNP: Matiur Rahman

At the exchange of views meeting, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman said the country is going through a political vacuum, which is dangerous even for the BNP.

"No country can survive with so much opposition, division, and crisis. No government can effectively run a country under such conditions," he said, adding that creating an environment of national unity and consensus is now Bangladesh's most important task.

"Had Tarique Rahman returned a little earlier, the BNP might have had more opportunities. His absence has raised questions and created room for confusion. That has stood as a negative for you. There is still a possibility to do better," he said.

He described BNP as the country's largest political party, predicting that it could win the upcoming election by securing a significant number of votes. "We hope BNP leaders will exercise humility and politeness if they come to power," he said.

He said no government had been able to ensure a healthy newspaper industry, and the sector had faced repeated challenges. "Over the past 15-16 years, under authoritarian rule, we have experienced the greatest fear and pressure. We were not entirely comfortable during BNP rule either. But compared to the two, the BNP period was relatively more comfortable."

No Bangladesh media faced such attacks: Mahfuz Anam

Daily Star editor Mahfuz Anam said Bangladesh is currently in a devastating state. "In 53 years, no media office has ever been set on fire. For the first time, the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were torched. Why? What crime did we commit?" he asked.

He said building a genuinely new Bangladesh requires a new media environment. In his view, this is a highly promising time for Tarique Rahman, as the challenges now are deeper than ever before.

Mahfuz Anam said no government in the country has ever accepted critical journalism. "Independent journalism is necessary not only for journalism itself, but for good governance. The Bangladesh we envisage under Tarique Rahman's leadership should allow space for critical journalism."

Acknowledging possible mistakes, he said, "If you can show that my report is not fact-based or has distorted information, I will apologise." He also said many editors have become more like proprietors' PR officers.

Country in a toxic situation: Hasan Hafiz

National Press Club President and Kaler Kantho editor Hasan Hafiz said the country is in a toxic situation. "If we are not cautious, united, and motivated by patriotism, we may not overcome this crisis," he said.

Manabzamin Editor-in-Chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said Tarique is returning at a time when the biggest concern is security. "We all want to stay safe and write freely. If you allow me to speak, I will express appreciation; otherwise, I will criticise. But to face the challenges ahead, we must remain united."

UNB Editor Mahfuzur Rahman said democracy cannot exist without the media. "While government-media relations are not always cordial, good relations are necessary. The media is the fourth pillar of the state, and democracy cannot advance without it."

Bangladesh Pratidin Executive Editor Manjurul Islam said political parties view the media differently when in opposition than when in power. "Tarique was forced to leave the country at 47. At 61, he is returning. Do not allow any syndicate to form around him."

Media Reform Commission Chairman Kamal Ahmed said reform proposals had been submitted and implementation was now the government's responsibility.

Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh president A.K. Azad said Bangladesh would face a serious crisis if the election failed to gain domestic and international acceptance. He proposed that if the BNP comes to power, it should hold regular dialogues with the media every six months.

Editors' Council, Noab to hold joint meeting protesting mob violence

The Editors' Council and the Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh will jointly hold a protest meeting today. Titled "Bangladesh affected by mob violence", the meeting will take place at 11am at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in Dhaka, according to a press invitation.

The organisers said Bangladesh's democratic values are increasingly under threat due to a series of organised mob attacks. They referred to last Thursday's incidents, when the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were attacked, vandalised, looted, and set on fire.

The meeting has been convened to discuss these concerns and to voice collective resistance against mob violence and attacks on press freedom. Leaders of political parties, professional bodies, business organisations, journalists' associations, and civil society representatives are expected to attend.