Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Dec 21, 2025 (BSS) - BNP has pledged its full cooperation in ensuring the freedom of the media. 

Top BNP leaders, at a views exchange meeting with media personalities to mark the homecoming of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, said moving past all previous bitterness, the BNP will provide total support to the media if it returns to state power, keeping in mind the repression and persecution carried out by the previous fascist government.

They expressed hope that if the BNP comes to power, there will be ample space for critical journalism and independent media.

The meeting, held at a city hotel, was attended by editors, executive editors and news chiefs from most of the country’s leading media outlets. 

They shared their expectations with the BNP leadership.

Speaking at the event, National Standing Committee Member Salahuddin Ahmed said if the BNP assumes state power in the future, it will provide full cooperation to the media. 

He emphasized that this support would be guaranteed based on the lessons learned from the repression experienced under the previous fascist regime.

“I believe the solidarity shown by those who stood by us during attacks on the media will continue. The previous fascist era was a difficult time for the press,” said Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman.

He expressed hope that such an era has come to an end.

The country witnessed heinous incidents, such as journalists being imprisoned on false charges, forced changes in newspaper ownership, and the replacement of editors, which directly obstructed media independence, added Matiur Rahman.

Noting that the BNP's previous tenures were relatively more comfortable for the media, he added, "They are currently the largest party in the country. They have a major responsibility to ensure press freedom.”

Referring to a survey conducted by Prothom Alo regarding the elections, he said, “It is recognized that the BNP is currently the largest party in Bangladesh. According to our survey, which we believe is close to the truth and reflects public sentiment, the BNP has emerged as the largest party. It is likely they will secure a major victory with many votes. We want to believe, or perhaps we can assume that they are coming to power.”

As a potential future ruling party, the Prothom Alo editor called for humility from BNP leaders and activists. He expressed his belief that the solidarity shown across political lines following recent attacks on media houses would persist in the future.

The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam remarked that never before in the history of Bangladesh had a media house been set on fire until the recent incidents involving Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. 

He urged everyone to work toward bringing issues of criticism and freedom of expression into a healthy, constructive platform.

Addressing the BNP leaders, he said, “At this moment, the BNP is showing a very cordial attitude toward the media. One reason could be that the party is not yet officially in power. The real test will be when they are in power to see if their tolerance for criticism remains as it is now." 

He noted that over the past half-century, no ruling party liked analytical criticism by the media, but hoped that the new Bangladesh and its politics would enter a fresh atmosphere.

Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Chief Editor of Daily Manab Zamin, emphasized the need for unity to face upcoming challenges. 

“If we don’t unite, the state will be at risk. If the existence of the state is threatened, none of us will survive,” he said.

Describing the current situation as volatile and difficult, he noted that the country is divided into two factions, making it challenging to speak within such polarization. 

“However, I am encouraged by the speeches of the three BNP leaders today. Their stance on future media policy is clear from the words of Salahuddin Ahmed and Rizvi Ahmed,” he said.

He also highlighted new challenges posed by social media and identified security as the biggest crisis facing the country.

Regarding the attacks on Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, Jamuna Television CEO Fahim Ahmed noted that while many were saddened and protested, some expressed jubilation. 

He questioned the BNP's role, saying, "The BNP might say they are not in power, but even from outside of power, they could have taken a stronger stance. Did the BNP leaders speak out strongly against this?"

“We want to continue questioning power, as we have tried over the last 15 years despite the risks. Even now, when we question authority or speak against irregularities, we are labeled as accomplices of fascism. I hope this labeling will end in the future,” he added. 

The guests also suggested holding such views exchange meetings at least every three or six months to discuss the overall situation.

The meeting saw participation from a wide range of senior editors and journalists including Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Managing Director and Chief Editor Mahbub Morshed, Shafik Rehman (Jaijaidin), A. K. Azad (Samakal), and editors of Jugantor, Naya Diganta, Kaler Kantho, Inqilab and Daily Sun, among others.

Senior BNP leaders including Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan, Selima Rahman, Major (Retd.) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and members of the BNP Media Cell were also in attendance.