Newspaper Owners Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) has expressed alarm over mounting pressures faced by media outlets, particularly The Daily Star and Prothom Alo.
“Every media outlet has its own editorial stance, and differences of opinion are natural. However, it is the public that determines the credibility of a media house. If a media outlet violates the law, there is an existing legal process to address it,” said NOAB President AK Azad during an exchange of views with political parties held at Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel on Thursday (28 November).
AK Azad, also the founder of Samakal, decried the climate of fear imposed through tactics such as attacks on media offices, disruption of newspaper distribution, and protests disguised as chaos.
He cited recent incidents, including the besieging of media offices and the targeted harassment of the editor of New Age at airports, likening them to the repressive practices of authoritarian regimes.
Ak Azad further criticised the indiscriminate cancellation of accreditation cards for journalists, including editors.
During the event, in a united stand against escalating attacks on the media, leaders from 13 political parties, including the BNP called for safeguarding independent journalism and upholding the nation’s right to freedom of expression.
Participants included representatives from BNP, Jamaat-e-Islami, Islami Andolan, Jatiya Nagorik Committee, Bangladesh Jatiya Party (BJP), Bangladesh Khelafat Majlis, Nagorik Oikya, Gono Odhikar Parishad, Communist Party of Bangladesh, Gana Samhati Andolan, and BSD.
The leaders underscored the public's enduring struggle for democracy and free speech, asserting that a democratic governance system hinges on the state's commitment to ensuring independent journalism.
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir expressed astonishment that, even after the historic events of 5 August, attacks on press freedom persist.
“After 53 years, we are still forced to speak out against these actions,” he said.
"We will protect press freedom, the people’s rights, and their right to vote, no matter the cost,” he added, declaring the BNP’s unwavering support for the media.
Jamaat-e-Islami Assistant Secretary General Hamidur Rahman Azad described independent journalism as essential to democracy.
He condemned recent acts of vandalism and arson targeting newspaper offices, labelling them as part of a conspiracy to undermine the democratic process and facilitate the resurgence of authoritarianism.
“Jamaat-e-Islami has historically supported free journalism,” he asserted, adding, “We do not condone such actions and demand immediate cessation of these attacks.”
The dialogue concluded with a unified call from the political leaders for an immediate end to media attacks and the restoration of an environment conducive to free and independent journalism.
