Staff Reporter :
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) on Sunday denounced the absence of press freedom in Bangladesh under the one-party rule of Sheikh Hasina, asserting that the core principle of a free press is integral to democracy.
Speaking at a discussion organised by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) at the National Press Club to mark World Press Freedom Day, BNP Standing Committee Member Dr. Abdul Moin Khan reiterated the significance of press freedom in achieving democratic ideals.
He cited the United Nations’ charter, which upholds free press as essential for democracy.
The former information minister, Dr. Moyeen Khan, underscored the indispensable role of press freedom in upholding democratic principles and fostering diversity of expression within society.
He lamented the situation in Bangladesh, where, under
one-party rule, freedom of expression is suppressed and dissenting voices are stifled.
Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan stressed the urgent need to reassess democracy in Bangladesh, emphasising that press freedom is fundamental to its protection.
He called for renewed efforts to restore press freedom in the country as a vital step towards safeguarding democracy.
Highlighting the power of the media, Dr. Abdul Moyeen Khan emphasised that the media serves as a check on government power and has the ability to shape public opinion. He urged the government to acknowledge the media’s influence and work towards ensuring press freedom for the betterment of the nation.