Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman. Photo : Collected

DHAKA, Dec 21, 2025 (BSS) – Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman today said the fascist regime was a difficult time for the media, hoping that it would end in the future.

During the fascist era, he said, the country witnessed heinous incidents like several journalists going to jail in false cases, while freedom of the media was directly hindered by changing the ownership of newspapers and changing editors. 

Noting that the BNP regime was comparatively more lenient for the media, Matiur Rahman said BNP is the largest party in the country at the moment. 
“They also have a big responsibility to ensure the freedom of the media,” he added.

The Prothom Alo editor made the remarks while speaking at a view-exchange meeting at a city hotel this afternoon.

On the occasion of the historic homecoming of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, BNP held this view-exchange meeting with editors of daily newspapers and online news portals, news heads of radio and television and media personalities.

Matur Rahman said he believes that those who have stood by them, regardless of party or opinion, in the attacks on the country's media will continue to stand by media. 

Referring to a survey conducted by Prothom Alo on the election, he said, "So far, BNP is the largest party in Bangladesh, it is recognised.”

“We believe that the survey is fairly close to the truth or close to the people's thought. BNP has come out as the largest party there. They will win the election by getting a lot of votes. We want to believe it, or we may think that they are coming to power,” he said.

As the future ruling party, the Prothom Alo editor expected modesty from the BNP leaders and activists. 

Matur Rahman said he believes that the solidarity that has been seen in the recent attacks on the media, regardless of party or opinion, will continue in the future.

The meeting was attended by Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Mahbub Morshed, eminent journalist Shafiq Rehman, Daily Jugantor editor Abdul Hye Sikder, executive editor Enam Abedin, publisher of Daily Samakal AK Azad, Samakal editor Shahed Mohammad Ali, editor of Naya Diganta Salahuddin Muhammad Babar, editor of Daily Khaborer Kagoj Mostafa Kamal, editor of Kaler Kantho Hasan Hafiz, editor of Pratidiner Bangladesh Maruf Kamal Khan, editor of Ajker Patrika Kamrul Hasan, executive editor of Amar Desh Syed Abdal Ahmed, editor of daily Inqilab AMM Bahauddin, editor of Daily Sun Rezaul Karim Lotus, editor of Banik Barta Dewan Hanif Mahmud, executive editor of Janakantha Khurshid Alam, editor of Banglanews24.com Touhidul Islam Mintu, executive editor of Dhaka Mail Harun Jamil and senior journalist Masood Kamal, among others.

Among the BNP leaders present at the meeting were standing committee members Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Selima Rahman and Major (retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed, BNP Media Cell Convener Moudud Ahmed Pavel, Member Secretary Shahid Uddin Chowdhury Annie, members Shammi Akhter, Morshed Hasan Khan, Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, Atiqur Rahman Rumon, Shairul Kabir Khan, Barrister Abu Sayem and Advocate Farzana Sharmin Putul, and National Press Club management committee member Zahidul Islam Rony.