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COX’S BAZAR: Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General and newly appointed Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Muhammad Kader Gani Chowdhury has said media freedom will shrink unless journalists are provided with adequate protection.
He made the remarks as the main discussant at the annual general meeting of the Cox’s Bazar Union of Journalists at Cox’s Bazar Press Club today.
Cox’s Bazar Union of Journalists President Nurul Islam Helali chaired the meeting, while BFUJ President Obaidur Rahman Shahin, Cox’s Bazar Press Club President Mahbubur Rahman and other journalists also spoke.
Kader Gani said free and independent journalism is essential for the country’s development and the effective functioning of democracy. He called for safeguarding journalists’ rights and creating an environment in which they can work professionally without fear or undue pressure.
He also urged journalists to remain united in protecting media freedom and their professional interests.
“Journalists are now able to work more freely than at any previous time, but challenges remain,” he said, identifying political influence, institutional pressure and professional insecurity as continuing obstacles to independent journalism.
Unwarranted interference also undermines media freedom, while yellow journalism and a lack of professional competence remain major concerns, he added.
Kader Gani called on media organisations to ensure fair wages, proper working conditions and professional dignity for journalists.
“Journalism is not merely a job; it is an essential institution for advancing democracy, protecting citizens’ rights and exposing crime, corruption and injustice,” he said.
He noted that the Constitution provides protection for an independent media alongside an independent judiciary.
The BFUJ secretary general said independent journalism enables authorities to learn the truth about problems facing the country and take corrective measures.
“A journalist’s pen is not a weapon of destruction. It is a means of giving people a voice, revealing the truth and standing against injustice,” he said.
Kader Gani said a nation’s strength depends not only on economic development and infrastructure but also on justice, humanity, accountability and the courage to speak the truth.
“Ensuring a safe working environment for journalists is not only in the interests of journalists; it is also part of protecting ordinary people’s right to know,” he said.
He stressed that allegations against journalists should be dealt with through the law and due process rather than attacks, intimidation or undue pressure.