Fakhrul Affirms BNP’s Unwavering Support for Journalists

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday reaffirmed his party’s unwavering commitment to press freedom, pledging that the BNP will always stand by journalists—regardless of whether it is in power or in opposition.

Speaking at a discussion organised by the Editors’ Council at the Jatiya Press Club in observance of World Press Freedom Day, Fakhrul stressed the BNP’s consistent support for journalistic freedom. “We can assure you, without hesitation and with full confidence, that we have always supported and will continue to support freedom of the press, no matter our political position,” he said.

He noted that the BNP has long opposed the suppression of journalists and resisted what he described as authoritarian laws targeting the media. Fakhrul also made it clear that the party rejects any attempt to unjustly impose opinions on others. “Even if we disagree with certain views, we will defend the right to express them,” he added.

As part of its commitment to media freedom, Fakhrul said the BNP has included the assurance of press independence in its 31-point outline for comprehensive state reform. He acknowledged that no party is without flaws but highlighted that incidents of repression against journalists were significantly fewer during BNP’s tenure.

“We believe in the freedom of others and reject the notion of mob justice as a democratic standard,” Fakhrul said. “Our stance is rooted in the ideals of the 1971 Liberation War, and we remain firm on that foundation.”

Also speaking at the event, National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam expressed concern over the distortion of their party’s statements in some media outlets. He voiced hope for a healthier relationship between political parties and the press and urged the government to swiftly implement the recommendations of the Reform Commission to bring about positive changes in the media landscape.