Dhaka: BNP Acting Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Sunday criticized the use of media in India, stating that policymakers are employing it as a tool to suppress people and control their minds through propaganda. Rizvi highlighted this issue during a discussion organized by the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) and Journalist Abdus Salam Smriti Sangsad at the PIB auditorium, commemorating the 116th birth anniversary of journalist Abdus Salam, founder of PIB and The Bangladesh Observer.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Rizvi drew attention to the term 'Godi media' in India, suggesting that it symbolizes how media is leveraged by policymakers to maintain control over the population. He echoed Noam Chomsky's observation that while authoritarian regimes typically use force, those with authoritarian tendencies in democratic states manipulate media similarly. Rizvi lamented the decline of independent thinking among intellectuals, noting that much of the media now appears aligned with ruling powers, particularly in India.
Rizvi further elaborated that the media is being used subtly to influence and control public opinion, acting like an invisible stick. He expressed concern over the consequences of such practices in India and underscored the persecution faced by advocates of freedom under different regimes. Rizvi lauded Abdus Salam's commitment to journalistic independence, emphasizing the need for such ideals globally to prevent conflicts and promote truth.
The discussion was chaired by PIB Director General Faruk Wasif, with Prime Minister's Information Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman and Dhaka South City Corporation Administrator Abdus Salam attending as special guests.