Independent journalism is a constitutional imperative, not a privilege: Mahfuz Anam

Independent journalism is not a privilege but a constitutional requirement for democracy, accountability, and social justice, said Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, on Tuesday. He warned that reducing the media to a purely profit-driven enterprise would erode public trust and undermine democratic values.

Mahfuz made the remarks while addressing Media Convention 2026, jointly organised by the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (Noab) and the Editors’ Council at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka.

“Journalism is fundamentally a public service. Democracy, human rights, the elimination of discrimination, and ensuring equal rights for all are at the heart of our profession,” he said.

At the outset of his speech, Mahfuz paid homage to the martyrs of the Liberation War and the July uprising, noting that the convention itself was rooted in the struggle for freedom of expression and democratic principles.

Highlighting the constitutional status of journalism, he said, “The constitution protects only two professions: an independent judiciary and an independent media.” While acknowledging that such protection comes with certain limits, he said history clearly demonstrated why journalism required constitutional safeguards.

“Experience shows that societies with strong independent journalism are more democratic, less discriminatory, and more respectful of human rights,” he said, urging journalists to maintain honesty, integrity, and ethical standards in both their professional and personal lives.

“If journalists fail to uphold these values, society will reject us,” he said, adding that editors in particular bear a heightened moral responsibility. “Every decision an editor makes affects the institution and the profession. Our ethical and professional duty is greater than that of others,” he said, warning that ethical compromise by editors damages institutions and corrupts the profession as a whole.

Turning to media ownership, Mahfuz thanked owners for investing in newspapers but cautioned against viewing journalism solely through a commercial lens.

“If media is run with the same mindset as any other business, it will never earn the people’s trust,” he said.

Describing journalists as “social doctors,” he explained that the role of the press was to diagnose problems in society. “When I visit a doctor, I don’t go to hear praise—I want to know what is wrong,” he said. “In the same way, journalists highlight failures and shortcomings in governance because we care about society and want it to improve.”

He urged owners not to allow narrow business interests to dictate editorial decisions and called for a clear and enforceable code of conduct for media ownership.

Referring to the judiciary, Mahfuz said an independent media and an independent judiciary were mutually reinforcing. “Independent journalism is a source of strength for an independent judiciary,” he said, while expressing concern over the misuse of contempt of court laws.

“When we report on the judiciary, it is not to undermine or insult it. We do so with respect, but accountability is also a public right,” he said, calling on judges to stand firmly in support of press freedom.

Addressing the government, Mahfuz said independent journalism remained the only institution willing to tell those in power uncomfortable truths.

“Party members won’t tell you the truth. Bureaucrats won’t tell you. Intelligence agencies won’t tell you,” he said. “Only independent journalism does.”

He added that governments genuinely committed to press freedom ultimately benefited the most. “Who else will tell you whether your projects are working, whether people accept them, or whether corruption is eating them away?” he asked.

Reminding policymakers that public resources belong to citizens, he said, “The budget you control is not your money—it is the people’s money.”

Mahfuz said journalists would support initiatives that were democratic and pro-people, but would continue to expose corruption wherever it occurred.

He concluded by saying the country now had a chance to rebuild democracy in the aftermath of the July uprising. “This is the moment to build a new, democratic, ethical, and fearless journalism,” he said. “Let us work together to ensure that our profession truly serves the people—and that we do not fail morally, even in the smallest way.”