Cox's bazar: Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury emphasized that the freedom of media is at risk without adequate protection for journalists. He stated, "Journalists cannot work freely without protection, and without free and independent journalism, the country and democracy cannot progress," during the annual general meeting of the Journalists Union, Cox's Bazar, held at Cox's Bazar Press Club on Saturday.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Kader Gani Chowdhury highlighted the need for the state to ensure journalists' safety to uphold democracy. He urged journalists to unite in safeguarding both media freedom and their professional interests. Despite noting that journalists currently enjoy more freedom than in the past, he acknowledged ongoing challenges such as political influence, institutional pressure, and professional insecurity that hinder independent journalism.
He further noted that interference in journalism undermines media freedom and pointed out concerns over poor journalism and lack of professional skills. Chowdhury also mentioned that pressure from media organizations can sometimes compel journalists to compromise their ethical positions. He stressed that responsible journalism requires not only safety but also fair wages, a proper working environment, and professional dignity for journalists.
Kader Gani Chowdhury alleged that many media outlets do not comply with the Wage Board and that some journalists are paid less than drivers employed by media owners. He called for the implementation of a 'no Wage Board, no media' policy to address these issues and bring order to the media industry. He underlined the significance of journalism in protecting democracy, human rights, and the rights of all people, and in combating societal crimes.
He argued that democracy and citizens' rights rely on independent and robust journalism, noting that while the Constitution of Bangladesh protects an independent judiciary and media, journalists continue to face lawsuits, harassment, and abuse. Chowdhury described journalists as the nation's conscience, with the pen as their most powerful tool, warning that silencing them restricts the truth and stifles the fight against injustice.
The meeting was presided over by Journalists Union, Cox's Bazar President Nurul Islam Helali, with speeches from BFUJ President Obaidur Rahman Shaheen, Cox's Bazar Press Club President Mahbubur Rahman, founding member SM Aminul Haque Chowdhury, General Secretary Momtaz Uddin Bahari, Vice President Kamal Hossain Azad, Joint Secretary Ikram Chowdhury Tipu, Journalists Union, Cox's Bazar Vice President Mahbubur Rahman, and General Secretary SM Zafar.