Mahmudur Rahman, publisher and editor of Daily Amar Desh, has emphasized the need for journalism free from corporate influence in post-revolutionary Bangladesh.
He said this as the chief guest at a discussion titled "What Kind of Media Do We Want in Post-Revolutionary Bangladesh" at the Rangpur Reporters Club auditorium on Friday evening.
Organized jointly by the Rangpur Journalists' Union (RPUJ) and Rangpur Reporters Club, the event was presided over by RPUJ President Alhaj Salequzzaman Salek and moderated by General Secretary Sarkar Mazharul Mannan.
Rahman said: "We have achieved new independence after being freed from the pressure that constrained journalists during the fascist Awami League era. Now, we must be fearless in spreading the truth."
Highlighting the importance of investigative journalism, Rahman urged editors to remain vigilant against irregularities and corruption. He also stressed that journalists must avoid being used as tools for personal interests.
Recalling the sacrifices of Shaheed Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the anti-discrimination student movement, Rahman said: "The nation has achieved new freedom through his blood. We should utilize this independence to elevate the standard of journalism."
He called on editors and correspondents of both local and national newspapers to stand firm against corporate influence and uphold journalistic integrity.
Special guests at the discussion included Daily Amar Desh News Editor Zahed Chowdhury, its Director Shakil Wahed, and President of the Institute of Engineers Bangladesh (IEB) Engineer Reazul Islam Riju. Several senior journalists and editors, including Liaqat Ali Badal, Mahbub Rahman Habu, and Mozaffar Hossain, also addressed the gathering.
Local journalists and media representatives were present at the event.
Earlier in the day, Mahmudur Rahman visited the grave of Shaheed Abu Sayeed in Babanpur village, Pirganj upazila. He offered prayers and expressed condolences to the martyr's family, reaffirming his commitment to journalistic freedom and the ideals of the movement.
