BNP calls on journos to defend ethics in election
Staff Reporter :
BNP Standing Committee Member and also Chairman of the party’s Central Election Conduct Committee, Nazrul Islam Khan, on Wednesday urged journalists to actively support all ethical political efforts while resisting any attempt at manipulation or wrongdoing to ensure a free, fair and credible election.
Speaking at a views exchange meeting with the journalists of Reporters Forum for Election and Democracy (RFED) at a city hotel, Nazrul Islam Khan said journalists have a historic responsibility in safeguarding democracy, as elections are the foundation on which democratic governance stands.
“Please support the ethical efforts of all political parties, and use all your strength to resist any unethical attempts by anyone for the sake of free and fair election,” he said.
Referring to sacrifices made for democracy and independence, he said despite repeated struggles and loss of lives, the country has yet to fully realise the benefits of freedom and democracy.
He described the upcoming election as an opportunity to bring about lasting change.
Khan warned against unethical practices in elections, saying winning at any cost cannot be justified.
“Casting fake votes is a crime, but preventing someone from voting is an equally serious crime,” he said, urging journalists to remain vigilant so that all activities favour free, fair and neutral elections.
Khan also underscored the importance of elections in a democratic system. “Democracy runs on the back of elections. Where there is no election, there is no democracy,” he said, adding that organisations working for democracy and elections face a crucial responsibility at this moment.
Highlighting the power and responsibility of the media, Khan said journalists often possess far more information than what eventually reaches newspapers, television or online platforms.
“That is why journalists are among the most informed people in society,” he said, adding that despite political and commercial pressures on media institutions, journalists must continue to uphold professional integrity.
He stressed the basic principles of journalism, particularly the distinction between news and views, and reminded journalists that while opinions may differ, facts cannot be manufactured.
Referring to the public’s right to information, he said readers have the right to know the truth, and journalists have a duty to present it accurately.
Recalling his long political journey, Khan expressed deep gratitude to journalists, noting that during difficult times they had repeatedly stood by political activists and helped them overcome crises.
He informed journalists that BNP has already instructed its candidates and leaders to cooperate fully with media professionals during the election period.
Senior Joint Secretary General of BNP Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said the upcoming national election scheduled for February 12 is the outcome of a long and bloody struggle, after years in which voters were deprived of their right to cast ballots freely.
He further said that over the last 16-17 years, Bangladeshis had been unable to vote without fear, and the country’s once-festive electoral culture was systematically destroyed.
“For years, elections meant forcible occupation of polling centres and violent control of power,” he said, alleging that former prime minister Sheikh Hasina had “used all state forces” to suppress opposition participation.
Rizvi claimed that opposition supporters were harassed at polling centres and that announcements were made in villages warning people not to go to vote unless they supported the ruling party’s boat symbol.
He also alleged that BNP candidates were obstructed from submitting nomination papers in union parishad and upazila elections, or were jailed through what he described as fabricated cases.
“Through a combination of state machinery and party muscle power, a grand festival of destroying democracy was carried out,” Rizvi said.
However, he added that following the fall of what he termed a fascist system through mass movement, hope has emerged for a free, fair and inclusive election.
He paid tribute to journalists, saying they stood with democratic forces even at times of extreme danger.
Rizvi said BNP repeatedly approached the Election Commission to prevent the electoral system from collapsing, but the commission behaved “like an obedient employee of Sheikh Hasina.”
“When the government and the commission refused to listen, it was journalists who carried the people’s demands to the nation,” he said.
Despite intense pressure on the media, Rizvi said journalists reported cases of enforced disappearances and political repression, helping to save lives.
“Because of the courageous role of journalists, around 150 to 200 political activists were saved. Otherwise, they could have disappeared forever like Ilias Ali or Chowdhury Alam,” he said.
Recalling the media’s resistance in the face of authoritarianism, Rizvi said their contribution would be remembered with deep gratitude.
He also warned against any re-emergence of fascism in a new form. Referring to a recent incident involving a candidate’s behaviour toward security personnel at a cantonment gate, Rizvi described it as “uncivil and unparliamentary,” calling such conduct a sign of intolerance and violent politics.
“The army is a symbol of our independence and must always be kept above controversy and treated with dignity,” he said, stressing that democratic politics requires clear standards of criticism and conduct.
Rizvi expressed confidence that on February 12, voters would exercise their judgment and choose a government committed to democracy and the protection of sovereignty.
“Those who insult women or behave rudely with security personnel will face the people’s verdict,” he said.
Among others, Chief Coordinator of Central Election Conduct Committee Ismail Jabiullah, Adviser to BNP Chairman Mahdi Amin, RFED President Kazi Jebel, General Secretary Golam Rabbani, spoke on the occasion.