Chakaria: Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed today said his party is committed to ensuring complete freedom of the media, as outlined in BNP’s 31-point reform agenda. He emphasized the party’s pledge to form a separate media reform commission and take necessary measures based on the recommendations of all reform reports.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Salahuddin Ahmed noted that a media reform commission has already been formed and stated that BNP would review the proposals submitted by that commission. He made these remarks during a “Meet the Press” programme with journalists of Chakaria-Pekua at the Royal Palace Community Center in Chakaria on Wednesday.
Salahuddin highlighted the importance of media freedom in strengthening democracy and democratic institutions. He pointed out the rapid global spread of information due to digital transformation and stressed the crucial role of media in fortifying the democratic system. He credited former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for creating an open media environment in Bangladesh after 1991, which he said led to the unhindered expansion of electronic media and contributed significantly to media development.
However, he alleged that over the last 16-17 years, media partisanship has weakened the country’s democratic structure. He stressed that the primary responsibility of the media should be to protect the country’s independence, sovereignty, and democracy. Addressing journalists, Salahuddin urged them to serve the nation with their conscience rather than the interests of media owners.
The programme was attended by several notable figures, including Chakaria Upazila BNP President Enamul Haque, General Secretary M Mobarak Ali, Journalists Union Cox’s Bazar President Nurul Islam Helali, Cox’s Bazar Press Club President Mahbubur Rahman, and Journalists Union Cox’s Bazar General Secretary SM Zafar.