BNP Standing Committee member and MP candidate for the Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency, Salahuddin Ahmed, has said that full freedom of journalists and the media will be ensured in Bangladesh, in line with the party’s 31-point pledge.
“BNP has made a 31-point commitment. We will ensure complete freedom for journalists and the media in this country. Journalists should serve their conscience, not just their employers. When journalists remain accountable to their conscience, the media can truly remain free,” he said.
He made the remarks at a ‘Meet the Press’ programme with journalists at Chakaria in Cox’s Bazar at around 11:00 am on Wednesday (4 February).
Salahuddin Ahmed said that political divisions among journalists were neither desirable nor acceptable. “The role of the media must be neutral. We expect neutrality from journalists. The media has a social responsibility, and it must ensure that misinformation and disinformation do not create confusion in society,” he said.
He further said that over the past 16–17 years, the media had been politicised, which he claimed had weakened democracy. “In countries where the media remains free and neutral, democracy becomes much stronger. The goal of the media should be to safeguard democracy,” he said.
He added that BNP was committed to establishing an independent, open and strong media landscape if it came to power.
Salahuddin Ahmed is contesting the upcoming 13th national parliamentary election from the Cox’s Bazar-1 constituency, comprising Chakaria and Pekua, with the BNP’s electoral symbol, the sheaf of paddy.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
