Print: 28 Oct 2025
Democracy cannot be established without freedom of the press. The media is a crucial pillar of democracy. If media freedom is not upheld, democracy cannot survive. During the fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina, the voices of the media were silenced. As a result, democracy could not take root, leading to her downfall due to public outrage.
These views were expressed by speakers at a discussion organized by the Editors’ Council at the National Press Club yesterday on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2025.
The event was presided over by Editors’ Council President and The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, and speakers included BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, NCP Convener and former Information Adviser to the interim government Md. Nahid Islam, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, and Gonosonghoti Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki.
Other speakers were Nurul Kabir, Vice President of the Editors’ Council and Editor of New Age, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Treasurer of the Editors’ Council and Editor of Manab Zamin, and Hasan Hafiz, Editor of Kaler Kantho and President of the National Press Club.
Also present were Matiur Rahman, Editor of Prothom Alo, A M M Bahauddin, Editor of Inqilab, and Shahed Muhammad Ali, Editor of Samakal. The discussion was moderated by Dewan Hanif Mahmud, General Secretary of the Editors’ Council and Editor of Bonik Barta.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated, “We have always supported freedom of the press and will continue to do so, whether in government or not. We will never support the imposition of unjust opinions on others. We firmly support the freedom of expression for everyone. That is our ideology. We will continue the struggle for press freedom.”
He added, “The issue of media freedom in Bangladesh is not new. Those of us who supported the country’s independence have been advocating for it since the 1960s. Even under Pakistani rule, we spoke out, protested, and worked on this front. At that time, media had a distinct identity. They were not easily affiliated with groups. Their patriotism, sincerity, and sense of duty were far greater.”
Nahid Islam said, “We’ve witnessed the spread of misinformation in the media. Greater professionalism is needed in journalism. As a political party, we’ve been victims of such misrepresentation. Our words have often been misquoted or distorted. We hope the relationship between political parties and the media will improve.”
He further mentioned, “Implementation of the Media Reform Commission’s recommendations has been unnecessarily delayed. These should be implemented quickly so that the post-July media landscape we envision can become a reality.”
Mahmudur Rahman Manna said, “From abroad, Sheikh Hasina issues statements regularly. Lately, she’s even holding group meetings online, giving instructions. Is this acceptable? I don’t think so. But does curbing the free flow of information align with any principle?”
He continued, “Cases filed against journalists under the Digital Security Act by the previous government are still active. Why hasn’t someone like Dr. Yunus spoken out against these cases?”
Zonayed Saki argued, “There should be no law in the country that allows the government to strangle the media. All such repressive laws must be repealed.”
Mahfuz Anam stated, “Today, we must acknowledge that the media exists to serve the public. We are patriots who aim to build a better society. We believe in freedom of speech and expression. All our work is intended to move society forward. However, it's true that our media is not free. One of the reasons Sheikh Hasina’s regime became widely disliked was due to the lack of press freedom.”
Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said, “In a country where a journalist can lose their job for asking questions, we are celebrating World Press Freedom Day. Whom should I hold responsible— the government or the owners? And what has the journalists' union done? I’ve been part of the Editors’ Council since its inception. I believe we, too, have failed. Still, we must acknowledge that the situation has improved significantly compared to a year ago. Much has changed, although some actions still give us cause for concern.”
Nurul Kabir noted, “The fact that we have to celebrate World Press Freedom Day every year across the world proves that the media everywhere is working under various constraints.”
Hasan Hafiz concluded, “We must ensure media freedom. Journalists were harassed under the previous fascist regime, and the media’s voice was suppressed. Those who come to power in the future must refrain from fascist behavior and ensure the media remains free.”
For all latest news, follow the Daily Sun's Google News channel.
More From Bangladesh
More From Bangladesh
Democracy cannot survive without press freedom: Speakers
BNP has always supported press freedom and always will: Fakhrul
Democracy cannot be established without freedom of the press. The media is a crucial pillar of democracy. If media freedom is not upheld, democracy cannot survive. During the fascist rule of Sheikh Hasina, the voices of the media were silenced. As a result, democracy could not take root, leading to her downfall due to public outrage.
These views were expressed by speakers at a discussion organized by the Editors’ Council at the National Press Club yesterday on the occasion of World Press Freedom Day 2025.
The event was presided over by Editors’ Council President and The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, and speakers included BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, NCP Convener and former Information Adviser to the interim government Md. Nahid Islam, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, and Gonosonghoti Andolon Chief Coordinator Zonayed Saki.
Other speakers were Nurul Kabir, Vice President of the Editors’ Council and Editor of New Age, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Treasurer of the Editors’ Council and Editor of Manab Zamin, and Hasan Hafiz, Editor of Kaler Kantho and President of the National Press Club.
Also present were Matiur Rahman, Editor of Prothom Alo, A M M Bahauddin, Editor of Inqilab, and Shahed Muhammad Ali, Editor of Samakal. The discussion was moderated by Dewan Hanif Mahmud, General Secretary of the Editors’ Council and Editor of Bonik Barta.
Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir stated, “We have always supported freedom of the press and will continue to do so, whether in government or not. We will never support the imposition of unjust opinions on others. We firmly support the freedom of expression for everyone. That is our ideology. We will continue the struggle for press freedom.”
He added, “The issue of media freedom in Bangladesh is not new. Those of us who supported the country’s independence have been advocating for it since the 1960s. Even under Pakistani rule, we spoke out, protested, and worked on this front. At that time, media had a distinct identity. They were not easily affiliated with groups. Their patriotism, sincerity, and sense of duty were far greater.”
Nahid Islam said, “We’ve witnessed the spread of misinformation in the media. Greater professionalism is needed in journalism. As a political party, we’ve been victims of such misrepresentation. Our words have often been misquoted or distorted. We hope the relationship between political parties and the media will improve.”
He further mentioned, “Implementation of the Media Reform Commission’s recommendations has been unnecessarily delayed. These should be implemented quickly so that the post-July media landscape we envision can become a reality.”
Mahmudur Rahman Manna said, “From abroad, Sheikh Hasina issues statements regularly. Lately, she’s even holding group meetings online, giving instructions. Is this acceptable? I don’t think so. But does curbing the free flow of information align with any principle?”
He continued, “Cases filed against journalists under the Digital Security Act by the previous government are still active. Why hasn’t someone like Dr. Yunus spoken out against these cases?”
Zonayed Saki argued, “There should be no law in the country that allows the government to strangle the media. All such repressive laws must be repealed.”
Mahfuz Anam stated, “Today, we must acknowledge that the media exists to serve the public. We are patriots who aim to build a better society. We believe in freedom of speech and expression. All our work is intended to move society forward. However, it's true that our media is not free. One of the reasons Sheikh Hasina’s regime became widely disliked was due to the lack of press freedom.”
Matiur Rahman Chowdhury said, “In a country where a journalist can lose their job for asking questions, we are celebrating World Press Freedom Day. Whom should I hold responsible— the government or the owners? And what has the journalists' union done? I’ve been part of the Editors’ Council since its inception. I believe we, too, have failed. Still, we must acknowledge that the situation has improved significantly compared to a year ago. Much has changed, although some actions still give us cause for concern.”
Nurul Kabir noted, “The fact that we have to celebrate World Press Freedom Day every year across the world proves that the media everywhere is working under various constraints.”
Hasan Hafiz concluded, “We must ensure media freedom. Journalists were harassed under the previous fascist regime, and the media’s voice was suppressed. Those who come to power in the future must refrain from fascist behavior and ensure the media remains free.”