Editor of daily 'Amar Desh' Mahmudur Rahman today spoke at a discussion at the Chattogram Press Club. Photo : BSS

CHATTOGRAM, Sept 4, 2025 (BSS) - Editor of daily 'Amar Desh' Mahmudur Rahman today stressed the need for unity among political parties and student groups to uphold the anti-fascist spirit and safeguard the nation's interests.

Some parties involved in the anti-fascist movement will either form the next government or sit in the opposition, but they must remain united against fascist forces, he said.

Mahmudur Rahman made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled "The Role of Journalists in the July Student Uprising and Hasina's Fascism Exile" held at the Chattogram Press Club.

He warned that no fascist regime should be allowed to re-emerge under the banner of a "Refined Awami League".

Recalling 16 years of oppression, he alleged that people's rights were curtailed and the country's sovereignty undermined. 

He said the July Revolution reflected unity against both internal repression and external hegemony, calling it a victory for democracy and the oppressed people.

On cultural fascism, he noted that social imperialist influences penetrated the media since independence, which intensified during the last regime and underscored the ongoing struggle to free journalism from such control.

Highlighting the "July Charter" as a popular demand, he urged political parties including BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami and NCP to reach consensus on the charter to pave the way for free and fair elections and the formation of a democratic government.

Chattogram City Corporation (CCC) Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain, attending as special guest, recalled the 1/11 period of political turmoil and praised Mahmudur Rahman's role in advocating for the release of political leaders.

The discussion was presided over by Chattogram Metropolitan Journalists Union (CMUJ) President Md. Shahnowaz and moderated by Meah Mohammad Arif.

Among others, Chattogram Press Club Member Secretary Jahidul Karim Kochi, Amar Desh Executive Editor Syed Abdal Ahmed, Sammilito Peshajibi Parishad Member Secretary Khurshid Jamil Chowdhury, Kaler Kantho Bureau Chief Mostafa Noyom, AAB President Engineer Jane Alam Selim, Bangladesh Times Divisional Editor Saleh Noman and journalist Moinuddin Kaderi Shawkat addressed the programme.