Rangpur: Managing Director of Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust (BJWT) and former BFUJ President Muhammad Abdullah has stressed the importance of journalists maintaining their independence from partisan politics to protect their professional freedom and integrity. Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled 'What to do for the financial security and welfare of journalists and implementation of recommendations of the Media Reform Commission and the Journalist Protection Act,' Abdullah urged journalists to uphold their standards and remain unattached to any political party.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the event was jointly organized by the Rangpur Journalists' Union (RpUJ) and BJWR at the Rangpur Town Hall auditorium. Abdullah emphasized that, while journalists may share ideological views with the ruling party or other political groups, they must prioritize their profession's integrity and respect. "A journalist should not be subservient to any government or political party," he stated.
During the event, Abdullah distributed BJWT cheques to 19 journalists. Rangpur Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Rabiul Faisal presided over the session, which was moderated by RpUJ General Secretary Sarkar Mazharul Mannan. The gathering also featured RpUJ President Salequzzaman Salek and other senior officials.
Abdullah paid tribute to Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, crediting him as a pioneer of freedom of speech who revitalized the media following the restrictive BAKSAL regime, which allowed only four newspapers to operate. He acknowledged Ziaur Rahman's role in his own journalism career, asserting that journalists should show respect for his contributions.
Abdullah also expressed his support for journalists' demands regarding the implementation of the Media Reform Commission's recommendations ahead of the forthcoming national election schedule. He assured that the inclusion of senior journalists in grant programs would be clarified soon and that the issue of scholarships for journalists' children would be resolved.