National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz. File photo

DHAKA, Aug 31, 2025 (BSS) – National Consensus Commission Vice-Chairman Professor Ali Riaz today said it would be a big reform if the politicians uphold commitment to press freedom.

He made the comment while participating in a view exchange meeting on the proposed report of the mass media reform commission at the Daily Star Bhaban here.

Ali Riaz said the politicians would have to take responsibility for maintaining fascist government by using the Journalism for long sixteen years, adding that the independent and profession journalism is not possible through continuing the existing form of ownership in media.

“You have to decide whether you would be a shopkeeper or the fourth estate,” he told the meeting.

On the press freedom, Professor Ali Riaz said if the politicians give commitment to the press freedom and then it will be a big reform, adding, “It (commitment) will be a big reform than giving signature on the paper of the national consensus commission by the political parties.”

About the reform of the mass media, the national consensus commission vice chairman said press freedom and to become fourth estate would be considered regarding the reform of the mass media.

Even the institutional and professional aspects will also be taken into consideration, he said, adding the journalists’ unions should be vocal about the professional security of the media employees instead of waiting for the government.