News Flash
DHAKA, Oct 9, 2025 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam today said the country's media must engage in self-criticism over its role during the previous government's 15-year rule, emphasizing that accountability to the people is essential to restore public confidence in journalism.
"The media should acknowledge its mistakes and ensure accountability to the people. Only then can public confidence in the media be restored," he said
The adviser was addressing a discussion titled "Media in July and Afterwards" at the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) auditorium in the capital.
Mahfuj Alam said, "A letter had been sent to the United Nations to investigate irregularities and bias in the media during the former government's 15-year tenure. In August, the UN advised communicating with UNESCO in this regard".
"UNESCO, however, did not express interest in investigating irregularities or bias in the media. Instead, they showed interest in developing a code of conduct for journalists," he said.
The adviser further said, "Media owners and editors who were involved in irregularities or showed bias during the previous government's tenure should apologize and take responsibility before the people."
Referring to the role of television channels during the July mass uprising, Mahfuj Alam said, "There is a need for research on how TV channels acted during the July uprising."
He urged the PIB authorities to conduct a study on the matter and complete it by December this year.
He also expressed gratitude to those media outlets and journalists who maintained neutrality during the July uprising.
Regarding the approval of new private television channels, the adviser said, "Those who do not want to see new faces on television are the ones making noise about new channel approvals. We want to open space for new media. Through these new media, new faces, new narratives, and new voices will emerge."
Commending the PIB's publication on the July uprising, Mahfuj Alam said the institute has done a commendable job within its capacity. "These publications will serve as valuable resources for historical study and reference," he added, thanking the PIB authorities for publishing five books on the July uprising.
Addressing the event, renowned thinker and writer Dr. Salimullah Khan said no revolution in the world is ever completely successful. "The success of the July uprising lies in the fact that people can now speak freely," he said.
Reviewing history, he noted that Bangladesh witnessed fewer post-uprising killings compared to other countries, and emphasized the importance of stability and press freedom.
Economist Dr. Mahbub Ullah said the July uprising cannot be erased from history. "People from all walks of life participated spontaneously in this uprising," he said, adding that it is a misconception to think that everything would automatically be fixed after the uprising.
"Rebuilding this country is not an easy task," he said, urging everyone to fulfill their respective responsibilities in rebuilding post-uprising Bangladesh.
Researcher and writer Saimum Parvez also spoke as a special guest. PIB Director General Faruk Wasif delivered the welcome address in the discussion, chaired by PIB Board of Directors Chairman Dr. Firdous Azim.
During the event, five books published by PIB were unveiled.
The books are - Tarikhe July; July Ganobhyuththan o Rajnoitik Buddhijibita (The July Uprising and Political Intelligentsia); Niriksha: Abhyuththan Media Boyan (Review: Media Narratives of the Uprising); July Ganobhyuththane Je Sangbadikder Hariyechhi (The Journalists We Lost in the July Uprising) and Ghothonaponji 2024 (Chronology 2024).
Following the unveiling ceremony, the website banglafact.com was also inaugurated.
Officials from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, journalists from print and electronic media, and distinguished guests attended the event.
