Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury has said media freedom will be curtailed if journalists are not provided with adequate protection.
“Journalists cannot work freely without protection, and without free and independent journalism, the country and democracy cannot progress,” he said.
He made the remarks at the annual general meeting of the Journalists Union, Cox’s Bazar, held at Cox’s Bazar Press Club on Saturday.
Kader Gani said the state must ensure the safety of journalists to establish democracy.
He called for unity among journalists to protect both media freedom and their professional interests.
The BFUJ secretary general said journalists are now able to work more freely than at any previous time, but the challenges facing the profession have not ended.
“Political influence, institutional pressure and professional insecurity are making it difficult for many journalists to work independently,” he said.
He said unwanted interference in journalism undermines media freedom, while poor journalism and lack of professional skills are also major concerns.
At the same time, pressure from media organisations can sometimes force journalists to compromise their ethical positions, he said.
Kader Gani said ensuring responsible journalism requires not only safety but also fair wages, a proper working environment and professional dignity for journalists.
He alleged that most media outlets do not comply with the Wage Board and that in some organisations journalists are paid less than drivers employed by media owners.
“These practices must stop. We have urged the government to implement a ‘no Wage Board, no media’ policy. If this is implemented, much of the disorder within the media industry can be eliminated,” he said.
He said journalism is not merely a job, as journalists play an important role in protecting democracy, human rights and the rights of people from all religions, races and communities, as well as in eliminating discrimination.
“If the media does not speak out, many forms of crime spread in society,” he said.
Kader Gani said democracy and citizens’ rights cannot be ensured without independent and strong journalism.
He said the Constitution of Bangladesh provides protection for an independent judiciary as well as an independent media, but journalists are still subjected to lawsuits, harassment and abuse while performing their professional duties.
Kader Gani said journalists are considered the conscience of the nation and the pen is their most powerful weapon.
“Silencing a journalist does not only suppress an individual’s voice; it narrows the path to revealing the truth,” he said.
“When the conscience of a nation becomes silent, there are fewer people left to call injustice an injustice. That is why ensuring journalists’ safety is essential,” he added.
Journalists Union, Cox’s Bazar President Nurul Islam Helali presided over the meeting.
BFUJ President Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, Cox’s Bazar Press Club President Mahbubur Rahman, founding member SM Aminul Haque Chowdhury, General Secretary Momtaz Uddin Bahari, Vice President Kamal Hossain Azad, Joint Secretary Ikram Chowdhury Tipu, Journalists Union, Cox’s Bazar Vice President Mahbubur Rahman and General Secretary SM Zafar also spoke at the programme.