Harun Al Rasid : On the occasion of World Press Freedom Day, the National Journalists’ Association organized a human chain and discussion meeting in front of the National Press Club in the capital. The organization’s central leaders, along with senior leaders of various organizations, participated in this program organized to highlight the significance of the day. The importance of media freedom, professional safety of journalists and objective news reporting was particularly highlighted throughout the program.
The organization’s Secretary General Alamgir Gani presided over the program. He said that the media is not only a means of disseminating information, but also one of the foundations of the democratic structure of a state. An independent and strong media exposes the inconsistencies of society and plays an important role in holding the state accountable. He also said, “On this day, our pledge should be to ensure fearless journalism by standing for truth and justice.”
In his speech, Policy Council President Mohammad Jamal Hossain said that media freedom worldwide still faces various challenges. In the wake of the historic declaration adopted in Windhoek, Namibia in 1991, the United Nations declared May 3 as World Press Freedom Day in 1993. Keeping that spirit in mind, everyone in Bangladesh should play a more responsible role in protecting media freedom. He said, “Freedom of the media does not only mean the freedom to publish news, but also ensuring the right to publish the truth.”
Founding member and executive president Shahjahan Molla said that journalists are currently working under various types of pressure, harassment and risks. In many cases, their professional and personal safety is threatened while publishing the truth. He emphasized, “If the safety of journalists is not ensured, media freedom will never be complete.”
Member Secretary of the Policy-Making Council, Manjur Hossain, said that there is no alternative to responsible journalism in building a healthy society. He said that journalists should not only have freedom, but they should also ensure the proper use of that freedom. Reporting news on the basis of objectivity, impartiality and ethics can build a strong media.
Vice-president Atiqul Islam said in his speech that the media is the voice of the people. Therefore, any attempt to silence this voice is a threat to democracy. He said, “To strengthen the media, emphasis must be placed on training, improving the skills of journalists and improving professional standards.”
Organizing Secretary Mehedi Hasan said that as the speed of information flow has increased in the digital age, the risk of fake information and propaganda has also increased. He said, “Verifying the truth and presenting news is more important now than ever before. Only responsible journalism can meet this challenge.”
Publicity and Publication Secretary M Hossain Ahmed said that it is important for journalists to maintain self-control and ethics to prevent misuse of the media. At the same time, he called on the concerned authorities to ensure an environment where journalists can work independently.
Dhaka Divisional President Mohammad Anisur Rahman said that the media acts as a mirror of society. To keep this mirror clean, journalists must maintain their honesty and integrity. He said, “Our responsibility is not only to present news, but also to establish the truth.”
Dhaka District South President SM Mohsin Uddin said that joint efforts from all quarters are needed to protect the professional rights of journalists and ensure a safe working environment. He said, “To strengthen the media, the dignity and rights of journalists must be ensured.”
The speakers at the human chain simultaneously said that an independent, impartial and strong media is essential in a democratic society. The media highlights the truth, speaks out against corruption and injustice and plays an important role in protecting the rights of the people. But in reality, journalists often face torture, harassment and obstacles, which is a major threat to the freedom of the media.
The speakers called on the concerned authorities to ensure the professional safety of journalists, create an environment for impartial reporting and take effective steps to protect the freedom of the media. At the same time, they also emphasized that journalists should adhere to professional principles, maintain a sense of responsibility and objectivity.
A strong message was conveyed at the end of the discussion meeting—everyone must work together to protect the freedom of the media by standing firm for truth and justice. This event by the National Journalists’ Association has brought the significance of the day to the fore in a new light and once again reminded us of the importance of a collective commitment to protecting media freedom.
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