DHAKA, Nov 28, 2024 (BSS) – Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir today called for protecting freedom of the press at any cost.

"We will take all-out efforts to protect the freedom of the press, the freedom of the people and the freedom of voting rights at any cost. Because, we are with you (the media) just like we are with the people," he said.

He made the call while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled 'Akkromoner Mukhey Swadhin Sangbadikota O Gono Maddhyom  Protishthan' (Independent Journalism and Mass Media Institutions in the face of Attack) at Hotel Sonargaon in the capital.

Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) organized the discussion where leaders of political parties addressed.

NOAB President AK Azad presided over it.

Criticizing the attacks on media, BNP Secretary General said, "Today, I have never thought that I would have to talk about this issue. Especially after August 5, when we are all living in an environment free from fascists."

"Unfortunately, after 53 years, even after the students-people uprising, we have to speak about the attack on the media," he said.

"We always think that our fight is for freedom of speech and democracy," he added.

Today, some people are trying to mislead the nation, he said, adding that falsehood   is being spread resulting in complete anarchy and chaos.

"We all need to work together to stop this. Otherwise, the goal for which our sons and our people embraced martyrdom will ultimately go in vain," he said.

Noting that an elected government is better than any government, he also called for practicing democracy in the country in proper manner.

Referring to the recent unrest situation of the country, he said, "There is a conspiracy to foil the potential of democracy that has been created in Bangladesh and the opportunity to realize the hopes and aspirations of the people which must be stopped."