Unity among journalists essential: Matiur Rahman
Matiur Rahman described the gathering – which brought together newspapers, online portals, television channels, and journalist unions – as a significant step forward, noting that such a broad consensus had not been seen in decades.
Journalists must stand together regardless of their idealistic leanings, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman said today (17 January).
"Unity among journalists is essential. Any dispute, at any time, on any issue is harmful," he made the remark at a media convention at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka.
We have no reason to believe that once an elected government comes to power, we will get everything we want. It hasn't happened in the past, and it won't happen now
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Reflecting on the shifting political landscape, the editor cautioned that a change in government would not automatically resolve the crises facing the press.
"We have no reason to believe that once an elected government comes to power, we will get everything we want. It hasn't happened in the past, and it won't happen now," he added.
He underscored that while discussions on past failures are finally taking place, the media must rely on its own internal strength and compromise to ensure the safety and professional dignity of its workers.
Matiur Rahman described the gathering – which brought together newspapers, online portals, television channels, and journalist unions – as a significant step forward, noting that such a broad consensus had not been seen in decades.
The convention protested recent mob violence, with organisers warning that such incidents pose unprecedented threats to freedom of expression and democratic values, while calling for unity in defence of independent, responsible and courageous journalism.
The convention, jointly organised by the Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (Noab) and the Editors' Council, served as a direct response to a string of violent attacks on media houses, including arson and vandalism at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star in December last year.
Other speakers at the convention echoed these sentiments, highlighting that mob violence and coordinated threats against journalists pose an existential threat to democratic values.
