Political Parties Do Not Try to Pocket Journalists, Journalists Enter Themselves: Mirza Fakhrul

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has remarked that political parties do not try to pocket journalists; rather, journalists themselves willingly enter into those pockets.

He said that political parties do not want to put journalists in their pockets, but if journalists willingly enter, it creates problems. According to him, over the past 15 years, journalists have taken the initiative to support fascism.

He made these remarks on Monday (24 November) at a seminar titled ‘Review of Media Reform Report’ organised by the Broadcast Journalist Centre (BJC) at the Celebrity Hall of the Bangladesh-China Friendship International Conference Centre in Sher-e-Bangla Nagar, Dhaka.

Addressing journalists, Mirza Fakhrul noted that journalist unions such as DUJ and BFUJ are divided into several factions. Journalists themselves are becoming politically divided.

He said that journalists also need commitment. They must keep themselves out of political pockets and pursue courageous journalism.

Regarding media reform, he stated that the current government established a Media Reform Commission and a report has been prepared, but no discussion has taken place. If they assume responsibility for running the government through popular support in the future, the matter will be prioritised.

He added that in 1975, the establishment of BAKSAL introduced one-party rule in the country and all newspapers were closed. When the BNP came to power, it took initiatives to modernise and develop the media. The television channels seen today began their journey during that time.

The BNP Secretary General also said that their 31-point declaration clearly emphasises the need for an independent media. For this reason, a commission was proposed, which completed its work and prepared a report, but unfortunately, no discussion has taken place on it.

During the seminar, a representative of Jamaat emphasised prioritising national interests in news coverage. NCP member secretary Akhtar Hossain called for reducing political influence inside media offices.

Other participants included BNP Media Cell convener Dr Mawdoob Hossain Alamgir Pavel, AB Party Chairman Mojibur Rahman Monju, CPB leader Ruhin Hossain Prince, Nagorik Oikya President Mahmudur Rahman Manna, BASAD leader Rajekuzzaman Ratan, Ganosanghati Andolon chief coordinator Zonayed Saki, Gono Odhikar Parishad President Nurul Haque Nur, BJC Chairman Rezwonul Hoque, Islami Andolan leader Professor Ashraf Ali Akon, BJC trustee Talat Mamun and Jamuna TV CEO and BJC trustee Fahim Ahmed.

Khaborwala/SS