Speaker calls for stronger parliament-media link
Emphasising the importance of transparency and public accountability, Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad on Thursday said journalists serve as a vital link between Parliament and citizens and that cooperation between lawmakers and media professionals is essential for the country’s progress.
He made the remarks during an exchange of views with members of the executive committee of the Bangladesh Parliament Journalists’ Association (BPJA) at his conference room in Parliament.
The Speaker said the current Parliament carries significant public expectations and must remain closely engaged with the people it represents.
Stressing the importance of responsible journalism, he urged media professionals to “call white white and black black” and provide constructive criticism to help improve the effectiveness of parliamentary activities.
According to Hafiz Uddin, the present Parliament was formed through immense sacrifice and bloodshed and therefore has an obligation to fulfil the aspirations of the people.
He also expressed concern over what he described as the deterioration of national institutions during the past two decades and highlighted the need for people-centred politics alongside stronger ties between Parliament and citizens.
“If this Parliament fails to meet public expectations, people will become disappointed,” he said, adding that journalists could play an important role in helping fulfil those expectations through professional and objective reporting.
The Speaker further said that the damage caused to journalism during the BAKSAL era had never been fully overcome.
He argued that many journalists continued to be influenced by that legacy, while maintaining that the country’s media currently enjoys greater freedom.
Hafiz Uddin also criticised the previous Awami League government, alleging that enforced disappearances, secret detention facilities and extensive economic misappropriation occurred during its tenure.
He said the collective strength of ordinary citizens, students, young people and their families eventually compelled the party to relinquish power.
Highlighting the importance of national interests, the Speaker welcomed what he described as a comparatively constructive role played by the opposition in Parliament.
“The opposition’s job is to criticise the government’s mistakes and shortcomings, and they are doing that. The government’s responsibility is to make Parliament effective. Both sides must work together to strengthen Parliament,” he said.
During the discussion, BPJA leaders raised a number of challenges faced in parliamentary reporting. In response, the Speaker assured them that steps would be taken to address those concerns.
The BPJA delegation was led by President Harun Jamil and General Secretary Shawkat Ali Khan Litho.
Also present were Joint General Secretary Mizanur Rahman, Office Secretary Nazmul Islam (Tanim Ahmed), and executive committee members Mashiur Rahman, Monirul Islam and Habibur Rahman Panchayet.
Officials from the Parliament Secretariat attended the meeting as well.
