A discussion meeting titled "Role of Media in Creating Fascist Narrative: A Review" was held at the Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium of Dhaka University on Sunday.
Speakers highlighted concerns regarding the media's portrayal of certain groups as "harmful and small," which they said bolstered the previous government's narrative of establishing a fascist system.
Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said that over the past 15 years, the rights of a significant portion of the Bangladeshi population have been eroded, with the media legitimizing these actions.
He urged researchers to investigate how this has unfolded historically.
Shafiqul said: "We should never exclude any community in present-day Bangladesh." He cited examples where media headlines justified arrests and extrajudicial killings.
He recalled a specific incident after the crackdown on Hefazat on May 6, 2013, where a newspaper described them as "ancient animals," suggesting a narrative against democracy.
Mahmudur Rahman, editor of Amar Desh, criticized the historical distortion surrounding Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and how this contributed to the current state of fascism.
He said the media has fostered hatred towards Islam, misrepresented societal divisions, and perpetuated a narrative of eternal gratitude towards India for its role in Bangladesh's liberation.
Mahmudur further criticized two national newspapers, Prothom Alo and The Daily Star, for their coverage and commentary on Sheikh Mujib and Sheikh Hasina, suggesting that these outlets are paving the way for fascism by creating contrasting narratives.
The meeting highlighted the urgent need for the media to reassess its role in shaping public perception and to provide a more balanced representation of historical events and diverse opinions.
