A view exchange meeting between the Editors' Council and the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement leaders was held at The Daily Star Centre on Thursday.
Representatives from the Liaison Committee and Coordination Committee of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement participated in the meeting.
During the discussion, Information and Communications Technology (ICT) Adviser Nahid Islam elaborated on the naming and organisation of the Anti Discrimination Student Movement.
He highlighted the movement's efforts to create an inclusive society keeping Bangladesh in centre.
Youth and Sports Ministry Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajeeb Bhuiyan praised the print media for its role during the difficult days of July, stating that "the print media was a reliable source of information" when television channels were unable to provide news.
Md Mahfuz Alam, coordinator of the Liaison Committee of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement described the popular uprising as a coordinated effort.
He noted that the political settlement achieved in 1990 was shattered during 1/11. Since then, the aspirations of the people have been undermined. He explained that the fight against fascist systems has come from all levels, and the current discussion is about how to integrate everyone into a new Bangladesh.
He emphasised the need to understand how fascism emerged from Bengali nationalism and to guide the country through a process of civilisational transformation. He stressed the importance of dismantling the existing fascist system and establishing a new order.
Editor' Council's President Mahfuz Anam emphasised the urgent need for a visible and effective government.
He also highlighted the necessity of clarifying the vision for a new nation and maintaining a connection between the government and the people.
The media can play a role as a bridge in this regard. Assuring the leaders of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, The Daily Star's editor stated that the media aims to be involved in the reform and nation-building process.
He called for the cancellation of all false and harassment-related cases, underscoring the importance of press freedom.
The Editors' Council expressed its desire to be a partner in the country's transformative journey.
The meeting was attended by Nasir Uddin Patowary (Nasir Abdullah), Akram Hossain, Bhuiyan Asadu-zzaman, Mamun Abdu-llahil, and Ariful Islam Aadi from the Liaison Committee of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement; Sarjis Alam, Hasnat Abdullah from coordinators, and Samantha Sharmin as representative of the civic committee.
The discussion was conducted by Dewan Hanif Mahmood, general secretary of the Editors' Council and editor of Bonik Barta.
Matiur Rahman, editor of Prothom Alo; Shamsul Huq Zahid, editor of Financial Express, Tasmima Hossain, editor of Ittefaq; Saiful Islam, editor of Jugantor; Nurul Kabir, editor of New Age; Zafar Sobhan, editor of Dhaka Tribune; Altamas Kabir, editor of Sangbad; Mustafiz Shafi, editor of Protidiner Bangladesh; Mostafa Mamun, editor of Desh Rupantor; and Shahriar Karim, executive editor of Sangbad, attended the meeting.
The meeting was chaired by Editors' Council Chair and Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam.
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