BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvy on Saturday urged the media to protect the spirit of democracy and work with its responsibility as independent entity.
"Media is one of the basic elements of democracy. Without media, democracy will never be strong. The media should also protect the spirit of July revolution and work with an independent entity," the BNP spokesperson said while addressing an Iftar party hosted by Rangpur Division Reporters' Forum (RDRF) at Jatiya Press Club on Saturday.
Among others, Chief Organizer of National Citizens Party (NCP) for northern region Sarjis Alam, also one of the coordinators of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, senior journalist Shafiqul Karim, RDRF President Tamjidul Islam and General Secretary Apel Mahmud also spoke the function.
Rizvi said, "There was no media freedom during Sheikh Hasina's tenure. Standard journalism practice declined drastically her regime. Many media owners killed stories submitted by reporters as they were linked to Hasina government. So, there is a need of law to prevent the owners from interfering in the media," he added.
Speaking at the event, Sarjis Alam, the chief organiser, Northern Region, of the National Citizen Party, expressed the hope that there was, is and will be respect for the army in the future.
"We do not take stand against the army chief... We have no conflict with the army. A vested quarter is spreading propaganda to create a conflicting situation relentlessly."
Commenting on mob justice, Sarjis said, "Any chaos must be avoided for the stability of the country. It is necessary for holding a fair election. Once the election road map is finalized, we will be able to confront the fascist Awami League unitedly. By this time reforms will also be finalised."
He called on everyone, including politicians and businessmen, to work together to move Rangpur Division forward.
