Uphold professional ethics, avoid political alignment

BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has urged journalists to uphold their professional ethics and avoid aligning with political parties to fulfil their professional commitment to the people, report agencies.

Speaking at a discussion on media reform at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the capital on Monday, Mirza Fakhrul said divisions within journalists' unions and their alignment with political camps had undermined public trust.

"It undermines professionalism when journalists slip into the pockets of political parties," said the BNP secretary general.

"Let me be frank, journalists have several unions like the BFUJ, and even these organisations are divided into factions. Many of you prefer to act in a partisan manner. Political parties may not want you within their fold, yet it becomes a problem when you choose to align yourselves with them," said Fakhrul.

Fakhrul also alleged that sections of the media had supported 'fascist' Awami League regime over the past 15 years.

"The people of the country have seen this. There is clearly a lack of commitment. Please refrain from taking such positions and practise independent journalism to serve the public," said Fakhrul.

The discussion, organised by the Broadcast Journalist Centre (BJC), brought together political leaders to review the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission and discuss steps for ensuring independent journalism and worker-friendly newsrooms.

Fakhrul added that the BNP would prioritise the commission's proposals if it returned to power.

"Our commitment is clear. In our 31-point outline, we stated that we want a free media," he said.