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Special Correspondent
Dhaka: BNP Secretary General and Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, has urged the media and the public to give the government sufficient time to perform while continuing to hold it accountable for its shortcomings.
Speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “The Role of the Media in Sustainable Democracy,” organized by the Television Editors’ Council at a hotel in the capital on Friday, Fakhrul said the government should always remain under public scrutiny, but it should also be given adequate time to deliver.
He said the media’s role is not limited to highlighting the government’s failures; it should also report on its achievements. Referring to television talk shows, Fakhrul criticized what he described as one-sided coverage, noting that some programs focus on the government’s “four months of failure” without giving equal attention to its accomplishments.
“The impression is created that the government has completely failed,” he said. “But there is little discussion of what it has achieved during the same period. Such a one-sided approach is not appropriate.”
Emphasizing the importance of media freedom and responsibility, Fakhrul said a strong and independent media is essential for building a sustainable democracy. He stressed that media organizations must strengthen their institutional capacity and foster healthy relationships between owners and journalists.
“If the media can operate freely and without conditions, democracy will also become stronger,” he said. “However, the media cannot rely solely on the government. Its own institutions and structures must also be strengthened.”
Fakhrul also expressed concern over the growing influence of social media, warning that it has become increasingly dangerous.
“A single post or campaign on social media can destroy a person’s lifetime of achievements within moments,” he said, adding that many countries are introducing measures to address the harmful effects of social media.
He said it is unrealistic to expect the government to solve all problems within a short period, as the country is currently passing through a transitional phase.
“Everyone must exercise patience and tolerance during this period,” he said.
The BNP leader claimed that whenever his party assumes office, it inherits a country facing severe institutional damage. He said the current government has also inherited major challenges in the gas, electricity and banking sectors.
On the energy sector, Fakhrul alleged that previous governments failed to invest adequately in gas exploration and instead created an import-dependent system. He also accused earlier administrations of creating long-term problems in the power sector through quick rental power projects.
Regarding the banking sector, he said banks had been left in such poor condition that the government is now facing significant challenges in restructuring and reforming them.
“We must not become impatient,” Fakhrul said. “We need patience and tolerance. Without them, democracy can never move forward.”
He called on the government, media organizations and media owners alike to demonstrate restraint and patience. Fakhrul also expressed hope that under the leadership of BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman, Bangladesh would be able to build a sustainable democratic system.
“If everyone works with patience and supports Tarique Rahman’s vision, the country can reach a stage where democracy stands on a truly sustainable foundation,” he said.
The seminar was chaired by Television Editors’ Council Convener Abdul Hai Siddiqui. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan attended as the keynote speaker. Among others present were Dhaka University Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. ABM Obaidul Islam, Protidiner Bangladesh Editor Maruf Kamal Khan, Chief Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed, BFUJ Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz, The Daily Waadaa Editor Shafiqul Alam, Ekattor TV COO Shafiq Ahmed, Mohona TV Head of News Rashedul Haque, BFUJ Joint Secretary General Erfanul Haque Nahid, Independent TV’s Mostafa Akmal and other media professionals. The session was moderated by GTV Head of News Gausul Azam Bipu.