BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said there is no alternative to media freedom for developing and strengthening democracy and ensuring the rule of law.

“If the media maintain objectivity, crime and bribery will certainly come down in the society, making the society much perfect,” he said.

Rizvi was addressing a programme marking the 31st founding anniversary of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) here as the chief guest.

Rizvi said he has a close relationship with the DRU for many years. “Whenever there was no place to seek shelter during many difficult times I regarded the DRU as a place of refuge,” he said.

The BNP acting secretary general said despite many television channels came on air and newspapers were published over the past 17 years, but only one individual and one political party availed the opportunity to speak and express opinions.

“Those who tried to speak beyond that were either subjected to enforced disappearance or forced to remain in jail,” he said.

Referring to the July mass uprising, Rizvi said it was difficult to say what would be the situation if the uprising was not taken place.

“Media outlets, talk shows, talk-show hosts and social media were controlled in various ways. Even under such circumstances, grassroots journalists kept the light of democracy alive to some extent,” he said.

Urging media to verify the truth of a news before publication the BNP leader said, “Journalists must have the courage to publish the truth despite all risk,” he said.

Rizvi further said just like the administration and judiciary, media should also have independent and impartial role under a democratic government to ensure rule of law,

He said during anti-fascist movement many journalists had put their lives at risk while collecting news. Some have lost their lives while some others are suffering permanent disabilities, he said.

“The noble profession of journalism must be further dignified through such courageous work despite risks to life,” he added.

At the programme, State Minister for Road Transport and Railways Habibur Rashid said the media serves as a bridge between the state and the people.

“Journalists play an invaluable role in bringing the problems, expectations, achievements and prospects of the people to the attention of policymakers,” he said.

He said the core strength of journalism are truthfulness, objectivity, professionalism and responsibility. 

Referring to the opportunities to deliver news rapidly in the age of information technology, Rashid said new challenges have also emerged, including rumours, misinformation and unverified news.

“Therefore, alongside delivering news quickly, ensuring accuracy is a major responsibility of the professional journalists,” he said.

He said development and reform activities are progressing in important sectors such as road transport, railway connectivity and public services.

“Objective reports and fact-based opinions from the media on these issues are extremely helpful to the government and policymakers,” he said.
DRU President Abu Saleh Akon chaired the programme while General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel conducted it.