Staff Reporter:
A group of prominent newspaper editors and media leaders in Bangladesh has called for the formation of an independent and united editorial platform aimed at protecting press freedom, strengthening journalistic ethics and resisting political, corporate and authoritarian influence in the media sector.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, the editors said Bangladesh is passing through a critical phase of state reconstruction following what they described as a “long authoritarian and fascist rule.”
They stressed that rebuilding democratic institutions and restoring public trust requires reform and independence within the country’s media sector as well.
The statement noted that during the previous political era, both institutional and psychological pressure were imposed on journalists and media organisations, resulting in a culture of self-censorship.
According to the editors, individual editors alone cannot dismantle this atmosphere of fear, but a collective and united stance could inspire journalists across the country to practice fearless and responsible journalism.
The signatories alleged that during the past administration, several media outlets came under the influence of politically connected business groups who used journalism to protect their own interests, which weakened editorial independence, damaged professional unity and created divisions within the media community.
The editors emphasised that one of the biggest challenges in the post-authoritarian period is freeing editorial policy from corporate and political control.
They argued that a strong and uncompromising alliance among editors would help resist unjust interference from media owners, political actors and various pressure groups.
The statement also criticised several laws introduced during the previous government, including the Cyber Security Act, Digital Security Act and Official Secrets Act, describing them as repressive measures used to silence dissent and suppress freedom of expression.
The editors demanded reform or complete repeal of such laws through coordinated pressure from all sectors of the media industry.
According to the statement, the proposed platform would not only advocate for media freedom and professional rights but also work to establish ethical standards, accountability and self-regulation within journalism.
The editors said a united platform could help ensure responsible journalism while preventing opportunities for external influence over the media.
The statement warned that remnants of authoritarian influence may still remain active in different sectors of society and could attempt to exploit divisions within the media.
The editors said the country’s press must remain vigilant against any future threats to democracy, sovereignty and freedom of expression.
Calling for unity beyond political and ideological divisions, the editors invited all newspaper editors in Bangladesh to join the proposed alliance in the broader interest of the country and the journalism profession. They described editorial unity as not merely an organization, but “an essential protective wall” for a free, independent and sovereign Bangladesh.
The statement said organisational initiatives for the proposed platform would begin soon.
The statement was signed by a large number of editors and media figures from national and regional newspapers, including Shafik Rehman of Jaijaidin, Mahmudur Rahman of Amar Desh, Salahuddin Babar of Daily Naya Diganta, Abdul Hye Sikder of Jugantor, Abu Taher of Bangladesh Pratidin, Maruf Kamal Khan of Protidiner Bangladesh, Hasan Hafiz of Kaler Kantho, Azam Mir Shahidul Ahsan of Sangram, Mokarram Hossain of New Nation, Shafiqul Alam of The Daily Wadaa and Syed Mezbah Uddin of Bangladesher Khobor.
