Photo : BSS

CHITTAGONG UNIVERSITY, June 29, 2026 (BSS) - Chittagong University (CU) Vice-Chancellor (BC) Prof. Dr. Mohammad Al-Forkan said the university administration believes in press freedom and it does not in any way will interfere with independent journalism.

"Many people claim that the administration wants to silence journalists. But I want to state clearly that we believe in independent journalism. We don't want to interfere with its full freedom in any way," said the Vice Chancellor.

Prof Forkan made the remarks while addressing the "Golpe Adday Sangbadikota & Fruit Festival 2026" as the chief guest at the CU Journalists' Association (CUJA) office at around 3:30 pm today.

He said, "This fruit festival is a unique example of mutual bonding among the university administration, the journalists' association, teachers and students. I would request journalists to highlight the positive aspects of society while also critically examining its shortcomings and injustices. However, objectivity, truthfulness and proper fact-checking are essential before publishing any news."

Speaking as a special guest, Pro-VC (academic) Prof. Dr. Mohammed Al-Amin said, "The association has taken a wonderful initiative. Through this fruit festival, they have proved that journalists are not merely dry and rigid people, they also have a vibrant side. Campus journalists are among the key stakeholders of the university and many problems can be solved with their cooperation."

"The fruit festival is an integral part of our culture, history and tradition. Journalists play a significant role on campus. I hope they will continue contributing to the university's progress through positive and constructive reporting," said Pro-VC (admin) Prof. Dr. Md. Safiqul Islam.

Among others, Prof. Dr. Atiar Rahman of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Director of the Student Counseling and Guidance Office Prof. Dr. Md. Anwar Hossain, CUCSU Vice-President (VP) Ibrahim Hossain Roni and CU Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal's President Alauddin Mohsin also spoke at the programme.

Earlier, at around 2:30 pm, a storytelling and informal discussion session featured former CUJA President and publisher of Daily Suprobhat Bangladesh, Omar Faruk, and Lecturer of Philosophy Department and Assistant Proctor Mir Hossain Majumder as guests. 

They shared their experiences in journalism, contemporary perspectives, professional challenges and the future prospects of the profession in a lively and cordial discussion.

The programme was presided over by CUJA President Refayet Ullah Rupok and moderated by its General Secretary Sohel Rana. Among others present were CU Proctor Prof. Dr. Hossain Shahid Sarwardy, CUCSU General Secretary (GS) Sayed Bin Habib and Assistant General Secretary Ayubur Rahman Tawfiq.

The discussion was followed by a seasonal fruit festival, where participants were served a variety of fruits, including bananas, Burmese grapes, mangoes, dragon fruit, papaya, jackfruit, lemons, blood fruit, guavas, hog plums, pineapples and apples.