Not necessarily for BNP, stand for free polls, party urges journalists

The BNP has called on journalists to play a firm and impartial role in ensuring a free, fair and neutral election, pledging full cooperation from its candidates and election officials.

Speaking at an exchange meeting with members of the Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy in the capital today (4 February), BNP Standing Committee member Nazrul Islam Khan said the party expects the media to stand not for any political group, but for the integrity of the electoral process.

"We say to you – your activities need not be in our favour; they should be in favour of free, fair and neutral elections. That is what we ask of you today," said Nazrul, who is also a member of the BNP's Central Election Steering Committee.

He observed that most newspapers and television channels in the country are owned by industrialists and businesspeople, many of whom are directly involved in politics. As a result, he said, political influence over media institutions cannot be denied. 

"Within this reality, we expect you to perform your professional duties to the best of your ability," he told journalists.

During the meeting, the reporters' forum president, Kazi Jebel, and the general secretary, Golam Rabbani, raised concerns about obstacles journalists often face while gathering election-related information. They called for assurances that reporters would not encounter obstruction from candidates or party activists during the upcoming polls.

In response, Nazrul said the BNP would instruct all its candidates to cooperate fully with journalists in carrying out their professional responsibilities. "If any problem arises, inform us and it will be resolved immediately. There is no lack of sincerity on our part," he added.

The BNP leader also stressed the importance of ethics in electoral competition. While acknowledging that all parties would naturally seek victory, he said such efforts must remain within the bounds of law and morality. 

"Winning by whatever means necessary, harming others, or violating rules, cannot be acceptable," he said.

Nazrul warned that any attempt to secure victory through unethical or unlawful means must be closely monitored. "It does not matter whether it benefits us or goes against us. What matters is that the opportunity achieved through so many sacrifices must not be misused for the interests of any party or individual," he said.

Addressing concerns over electoral malpractice, Nazrul noted that casting fraudulent votes is a crime, but preventing someone from voting is equally serious. "Depriving voters of their right through various tactics is no less an offence. We request you to pay attention to that as well," he told journalists.

The meeting was chaired by Md Ismail Zabihullah, adviser to the BNP chairman and chief coordinator of the Election Steering Committee. It was inaugurated by BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi Ahmed, who serves as the committee's member secretary. Adviser to the chairman and committee spokesperson Mahdi Amin, along with committee member and former acting secretary Mohammad Zakaria, were also present.