BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has claimed that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has done more than any other party to promote freedom of the press.
Speaking at a discussion hosted by the Editors' Council at the National Press Club on World Press Freedom Day (Sunday, May 4), Fakhrul said, "Today, press freedom is undoubtedly greater than before. But the real issue is that media groups often attack one another, and political parties get involved. Press freedom means allowing differing opinions. Silencing newspapers simply because we disagree with them is not acceptable."
He highlighted that it was BNP that first restored press freedom in 1975, following the one-party BAKSAL regime, which had restricted it. "We're not claiming to be perfect," he added, "but BNP has done the most to ensure press freedom."
Fakhrul also stated that incidents of harassment and repression against journalists were significantly lower during BNP's time in office. "Even now, during this transitional period, we are witnessing various incidents. Still, I believe that building a democratic country requires a democratic society—and that demands democratic thinking."
He cautioned against one-sided narratives, saying, "It's not right to assume that whatever I think or say is the absolute truth. Likewise, a media outlet shouldn't be seen as fair only when it supports my views."
Other notable attendees at the event included Mahfuz Anam, Editor of The Daily Star; Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Editor of Manab Zamin; Mahmudur Rahman Manna, President of Nagorik Oikya; and Zonayed Saki, Chief Coordinator of Ganosamhati Andolan.
