Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser Shafiqul Alam has announced that all press conferences conducted by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina will be closely examined as part of a broader initiative to reform media practices in Bangladesh.
He emphasised that analysing the roles played during these conferences would facilitate reforms while ensuring the independence of journalistic work is not compromised.
Speaking at a discussion titled "The Role of the Media in the July Massacre: Accountability and Reform Proposals” at the National Press Club on Wednesday (20 November), Shafiqul Alam stated, "The fascists may have silenced voices in the past, but we will not follow the same path. Every fact will be scrutinised, yet no one’s professional freedom will be curtailed."
Reflecting on the media landscape of the last 15 years, Alam said, "Attempts were made to stifle voices by labelling individuals as sympathisers of Shibir or BNP. We must ensure our attitudes do not mirror fascist tendencies. Criticism must be welcomed, and every voice must thrive in Bangladesh."
He highlighted the need to investigate cases of enforced disappearances, defamatory remarks against victims, and incidents like the killings at Shapla Chattar. Alam asserted that all such events would be examined to meet international standards.
"Between 2009 and 2024, Sheikh Hasina conducted numerous press conferences. Each of these has records detailing the roles individuals played, and these must be documented thoroughly," he said.
Commenting on international concerns, Alam welcomed statements by international journalist rights groups on press accreditation issues but urged them to evaluate the “appalling state of journalism” during the last 15 years.
He added that media practices between 1 July and 5 August would also be scrutinised, specifically instances where students were labelled as terrorists on television.
"We will invite international journalist rights groups to investigate the nature of journalism during this period and examine where fascist narratives were propagated," he said.
Emphasising the importance of research, Alam stated, "Each subject requires serious investigation. Through research, we can fulfil our responsibility to the next generation by presenting a factual account of events."
The discussion was presided over by journalist Zainal Abedin Shishir, Convener of the “Movement for a Media Free from Fascism” and moderated by spokesperson Plabon Tariq.
Other speakers included Syed Abdal Ahmed, Executive Editor of Amar Desh; senior journalist SM Rashedul Islam of BSS; Abbas Uddin Noyon, Chief Reporter of The Business Standard; researcher and teacher Mahabub Alam; Dr Towhidur Rahman Awal, Vice President of the Bangladesh Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal; Azizur Rahman Azad, Publications Secretary of Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir; Tahmid Al Mudassir, Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement; Barrister Shihab Uddin Khan, a Supreme Court lawyer; and senior journalist Fayez Ahmed from New Age.
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