Media professionals from across the country gathered in the capital on Saturday as the first-ever Media Convention was inaugurated, reaffirming their collective stance in defense of freedom of expression, democratic values, and independent journalism.
The convention began in the morning at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka. It is jointly organized by the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and the Editors’ Council and is scheduled to run from 10:00am to 1:30pm.
Editors’ Council President Nurul Kabir formally inaugurated the convention with a welcome address, highlighting growing concerns over attacks on freedom of expression and democratic norms in the country.
He emphasized the need for unity among media professionals to uphold courageous, responsible, and independent journalism in the face of mounting challenges.
According to the organizers, Bangladesh has recently witnessed organized violence and increasing pressure on democratic values, including unprecedented attacks on freedom of expression.
Against this backdrop, the convention aims to provide a unified platform for journalists, editors, and media owners to speak out against such threats and to demand safeguards for press freedom.
Participants raised issues related to ensuring journalists’ safety, protecting professional dignity and rights, and preserving a democratic media environment. Invited media representatives, editors, and columnists shared their views on the role of the press in safeguarding democracy amid the current political context.
