Manabzamin Editor-in-Chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury -Photo: Collected

DHAKA, Dec 21, 2025 (BSS) - Manabzamin Editor-in-Chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury today urged countrymen to stay united to face future challenges of the state.

"If we are not united, the state will be endangered. If the existence of the state is threatened, none of us will survive," he said.

Matiur Rahman made the remarks at a views exchange held this noon at a hotel here. 

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) organised the meeting with editors of daily newspapers and online news portals, heads of news of radio and television, and media personalities on the occasion of the homecoming of BNP acting chairman Tarique Rahman.

Matiur Rahman expressed satisfaction over the party's plan about media policy. 

"Even partial implementation of the proposed media policy would help the country's media move forward, as the media is facing instability, particularly in the era of social media," he added.

Mentioning the recent incidents of tensions and untoward occurrences, he said, "Tarique Rahman is returning at a time when people do not feel safe."

He also referred to recent attacks on news media. "No one knows what will happen and in such a situation, public expectations from BNP are very high. People want to feel safe and want the freedom to write and speak," he said urging BNP to ensure media freedom.

He added that media criticism would continue with caution if necessary.

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Managing Director and Chief Editor Mahbub Morshed, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Naya Diganta Editor Salahuddin Muhammad Babar, Khaborer Kagoj Editor Mostafa Kamal, Kaler Kantho Editor Hasan Hafiz, Jugantor Editor Abdul Hai Shikder, Executive Editor Enam Abedin, Ajker Patrika Editor Kamrul Hasan, Amar Desh Executive Editor Syed Abdal Ahmed, Inqilab Editor A M M Bahauddin, Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, and journalists from national dailies, online news portals, television and radio were present at the discussion among others.

BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, BNP Standing Committee members Salahuddin Ahmed, Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan, Major (Retd) Hafiz Uddin Ahmed and BNP's Media Cell Convener Professor Dr. Moudud Hossain Alamgir Pavel were also present at the event.