BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has alleged that the country’s media structure has been systematically weakened during the last 15 years of “fascist rule.” In his words, “Hasina has destroyed the media space.”
Speaking at the biennial council of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) at the National Press Club on Friday, he said the country is now waiting to return to democracy around the elections. In that context, it is important to ensure freedom of expression. “There will be differences of opinion in a democracy, but currently, there is no room for differences of opinion,” Fakhrul commented.
In his speech, he sought prayers for the recovery of the ailing Khaleda Zia.
Addressing journalists, he said that responsible and independent journalism is essential for democracy; it is not possible to protect the demands and professional freedom of journalists if they are followers of any political party.
Regarding the uncontrolled spread of social media, he said that the lack of accountability on these platforms is creating anarchy in the name of personal expression, which is hindering democratic progress.
Jamaat-e-Islam Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar and BFUJ leaders were also present at the event.