United News of Bangladesh

Editors, journalists and media leaders from across the country on Saturday underscored the vital role of a free, independent, active and fearless media in sustaining democracy, warning that any attempt to silence media organisations ultimately threatens the rights of society as a whole. “The democratic aspiration that brings people into journalism can never be a crime,” said President of the Editors’ Council and Editor of New Age Nurul Kabir, while delivering the opening remarks at the first-ever Media Convention held at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium. The country’s first ‘Media Convention-2026’ was jointly organised by the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and the Editors’ Council. Nurul Kabir said attacks on or attempts to silence media institutions inevitably obstruct the rights of the entire society. Journalists choose the profession with a collective commitment to democracy, human rights, equality and a non-communal social order, he said. “Those who seek to suppress institutions that serve as vehicles of democratic aspirations do so through laws, force and intimidation,” Nurul Kabir said, stressing the need for unity and collective resistance. He said if newspapers and other media outlets cannot function independently, remain active or speak out freely, fundamental rights across society will inevitably be curtailed. Media development and democratic development, he observed, are deeply interconnected worldwide. The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam said independent journalism ultimately benefits governments the most. “If you truly believe in independent journalism and uphold a liberal perspective, the government will be the biggest beneficiary,” he said. “Government, remember—no one will tell you the truth. Your party colleagues will not, out of fear. The bureaucracy will not. Even the intelligence community will not. They will keep you surrounded by praise and admiration. Independent journalism is the only institution that tells you the truth,” Mahfuz Anam said. Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman emphasised the importance of unity among journalists, warning that disputes at any time and on any issue are harmful to the profession. He described the gathering as a significant step forward and said that regardless of differences in opinions, thoughts, ideas or ideologies, journalists must remain united and stand by one another on issues concerning media institutions, journalism and personal safety. “It is crucial to come together, to remain united, to stand by each other and to demonstrate solidarity and empathy,” he said. Organisers said democratic values have come under sustained assault in recent times, particularly through incidents of mob violence, posing serious challenges to freedom of expression and democratic principles Journalists at the convention highlighted the need to protect democratic space and media freedom, ensure the safety of journalists, and uphold the professional dignity and rights of media workers. Leaders of various journalist organisations, including the Association of Television Channel Owners, Broadcast Journalist Centre, Jatiya Press Club, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, Dhaka Union of Journalists, Dhaka Reporters Unity, Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Bangladesh (DCAB), Economic Reporters Forum (ERF), Photo Journalists Association and the Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh, took part in the convention. Editors, journalists urge BNP to ensure press freedom, if elected Journalists from outside Dhaka, along with editors, publishers, invited media professionals and columnists, also joined the programme, which aimed to project a united stance in support of independent, responsible and courageous journalism.    

The people of Bangladesh will emerge as the frontline guardians of democracy in the days ahead, Citizen’s Platform Convener Debapriya Bhattacharya said on Thursday, citing the country’s evolving political and social transformation. “The people of Bangladesh are far more aware and far more capable than before. In the days ahead, safeguarding democracy will not require anyone else, the people of this country will themselves act as the principal guardians of democracy,” Debapriya said at a press briefing. The event titled ‘National Election 2026: Citizens’ Recommendations for the Next Government’, organised by the Citizen’s Platform at a city hotel. Debapriya said sustainable development and positive change in the country cannot be achieved through policy frameworks alone. 1971, 1990 and 2024 share same spirit of dignity, not conflict: Debapriya To that end, alongside policy recommendations, the Citizen’s Platform has now introduced a national programme to monitor policy implementation. Under this initiative, the extent to which the recommendations are implemented over time will be closely tracked. “Policy advice alone does not ensure implementation; oversight is essential,” he said, adding that education, health, social protection, and broader economic and social policy frameworks developed by the platform will be monitored through a ‘Reform Tracker’. Debapriya also said the Reform Tracker will not be limited to the Citizen’s Platform’s proposals alone, but will also monitor how far political parties fulfill their manifesto commitments related to citizens’ development after the election. Noting that civil society is currently more conscious than at any previous time, Debapriya said citizens will play the most decisive role in the country’s democratic transition. With a focus on improving people’s living standards, the Citizen’s Platform has structured its policy recommendations accordingly. Politicians also face growing security concerns alongside citizens: Debapriya Later, CPD Distinguished Fellow Mustafizur Rahman presented 12 policy recommendations aimed at achieving inclusive development in Bangladesh’s future socio-economic and democratic transition, while CPD Additional Director (Research) Towfiqul Islam Khan announced a 10-point action plan to implement those recommendations.  

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday alleged that various efforts are once again underway to destroy democracy in Bangladesh, following last year’s July–August mass uprising. “After the mass uprisings in Bangladesh, there are now again different kinds of attempts and conspiracies to destroy democracy. At this moment, the Revolution and Solidarity Day inspires us to follow the path through which we can truly build a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh,” he said. Speaking to reporters after paying homage to BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman at his grave, Fakhrul said the “civil-military uprising” of November 7, 1975, also inspires the party to work towards building a country where people’s right to vote and right to justice are guaranteed. “Along this path, Bangladesh will move forward, BNP will move forward, and we are working towards that goal,” the BNP leader said. Earlier, Fakhrul, along with thousands of BNP leaders and activists, paid homage to Zia by placing wreaths at his grave in the capital’s Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, marking the National Revolution and Solidarity Day commemorating the “civil-military uprising” of November 7, 1975. They offered fateha at the grave of the party’s founder and prayed for the eternal peace of his departed soul. BNP pledges to implement signed July Charter, urges parties not to block polls with new issues Fakhrul described November 7, 1975, as a turning point in Bangladesh’s history when patriotic soldiers and mass people united to foil the conspiracies of hegemonic forces and freed Ziaur Rahman, the “proclaimer of independence,” from captivity, entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the nation. He said Ziaur Rahman laid the foundation for Bangladesh’s political and economic transformation by restoring multi-party democracy, ensuring press freedom, guaranteeing the independence of the judiciary, and introducing a free-market economy. During his short term in office, Fakhrul said Zia vigorously reformed the country’s political and economic systems, moved Bangladesh away from one-party BAKSAL rule to a multi-party democracy, opened up the media sector—which previously had only four newspapers—and strengthened judicial independence by establishing the Judicial Council. He said Zia also set the groundwork for Bangladesh’s economic progress by launching the free-market system, encouraging industrial growth, and creating opportunities for overseas employment—initiatives that laid the foundation for today’s thriving garment industry and remittance-driven economy. “This was how the journey towards a prosperous Bangladesh began. Ziaur Rahman laid the foundation for building a happy and democratic state,” the BNP leader said. Fakhrul said Zia, a great leader born once in a generation, established the very basis of Bangladesh’s progress. “That is why this day is not only significant for BNP but also deeply important to all democratic-minded people across the nation.” BNP is observing the National Revolution and Solidarity Day today with various programmes held with due respect. Desperation to hold referendum before election raises public suspicion: Khosru On this day in 1975, amid political unrest, soldiers and civilians together freed then Chief of Army Staff Ziaur Rahman from captivity in Dhaka Cantonment, paving the way for him to come to power. On November 2, BNP announced a 10-day programme to mark the day extensively, aiming to highlight its true historical importance. As part of the programmes, the party flag was hoisted atop all its offices across the country in the morning. The BNP’s Dhaka South and North city units brought out a rally from the party’s Nayapaltan central office at 3:00pm. All district and upazila units of the party also held rallies on the same day.

Road Transport and Bridges Minister Obaidul Quader on Tuesday said the apathy of voters during the recently held Dhaka city elections is not good for Bangladesh democracy.