Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman has emphasized that press freedom must be ensured to protect and uphold democracy.
In a message issued on the occasion of Black Day for Newspapers, he said, “Press freedom is essential to defend democracy.”
Referring to June 16, 1975, as a dark chapter in the country's history, Tarique Rahman stated, “On this day, the then regime abolished all political parties and introduced the highly authoritarian one-party BAKSAL system. Only four pro-government newspapers were allowed to operate, while the rest of the press was silenced.”
“As a result, a large number of journalists lost their jobs, their livelihoods were destroyed, and their families faced tremendous uncertainty,” he added.
Highlighting the spirit of the Liberation War, Tarique said, “Our war was fought not only for territorial independence but also to establish democracy. In a democratic society, civil liberties—including freedom of speech, thought, and expression—must be guaranteed.”
He argued that press freedom provides space for dissent, which ensures accountability in the state and reflects the will of the people in the formation of government.
“But the rulers of the time betrayed the spirit of the Liberation War by abolishing multiparty democracy and imposing a one-party parliamentary system,” he said.
Tarique Rahman also noted, “Later, the proclaimer of independence, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, restored multiparty democracy and reinstated press freedom by repealing undemocratic laws.”
He alleged that Sheikh Hasina, like her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, has revived a one-party philosophy under a new guise. “Journalists and media outlets have been oppressed under various repressive laws. Speaking the truth invites persecution, and media professionals are forced to live in fear,” he said.
“The press and freedom of expression have been imprisoned under draconian laws like the Digital Security Act and the Cyber Security Act,” he added.
Tarique Rahman reiterated that press freedom is a cornerstone of multiparty democracy. “To protect the security and stability of democracy, freedom of the press must be guaranteed,” he concluded.
Source: BSS
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
