Media Has Become Even More Constrained: Mostofa Firoz

Senior journalist Mostofa Firoz has stated that, over the past year, he has observed no government initiative aimed at making the media genuinely free and independent. He noted, “They have not said that you may invite anyone to speak according to your own guidelines. The regulations remain exactly the same. No changes have been made.”

He expressed these views during a recent television talk show.

Firoz elaborated, “The media has become increasingly fearful and intimidated. Some channels have even fallen victim to mob attacks. As a result, everyone has become more constrained. This is why they no longer take risks. Those they might invite may also hesitate to appear. Many of them are accused in murder cases. I saw Mahfuz Alam mention that there are nearly 226 people facing murder charges. Because of these factors, the media has automatically become even more restricted.”

He further stated, “The media lacks the courage even to make invitations. If they do, they risk reprimands—perhaps a call from the adviser’s office. Out of fear, they have self-censored.”

Firoz also criticised the current state of major television channels, saying, “The channels have essentially become aligned with the National Party. They cannot survive without political power. Sheikh Hasina’s approach has made these channels solely dependent on power.”

This assessment underscores the growing climate of fear and self-censorship in the media, limiting journalistic freedom and diversity of opinion in the country.