BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that while media freedom is essential in a democratic state, outlets that serve fascism and defend enforced disappearances and killings have no right to survive.“Over the past 16–17 years, a fascist regime has been established in Bangladesh, where dissenting voices have been systematically suppressed. Those who acted as agents of fascism and justified disappearances and killings do not deserve to exist as media,” Rizvi said.
He made the remarks on Saturday (September 27) while addressing as the chief guest at the inauguration of the online and multimedia edition of Dainik Barta at the National Press Club.
Rizvi described the role of responsible journalism as crucial during times of social and political division. “Even if the voice of the press is weakened, there must remain a space to speak the truth,” he said.
Accusing the ruling party, he added, “The fascist Awami League government has controlled the media to cover up every enforced disappearance and killing, while branding dissenters as ‘terrorists’ to suppress them. Sheikh Hasina even suggested bombing protestors from helicopters, and her security adviser went as far as proposing their outright killing.”
Drawing parallels with history, Rizvi said, “In fascist Italy and Nazi Germany, the media that collaborated with dictators could not survive after World War II. Similarly, in Bangladesh, there is no need for media that defend anti-democratic forces.”
Referring to the upcoming Dhaka University Central Students’ Union (DUCSU) election, Rizvi alleged that “ballot papers are being printed in Nilkhet—such suspicion is not unfounded. Yet, the Chief Returning Officer is speaking in the language of the Awami League. This is degrading for the university’s dignity.”
He further stressed, “The responsibility of the media is to present the truth, not to glorify the rulers. Conscientious journalists represent the conscience of the nation.”
At the event, Rizvi urged Editor Mahmud Anwar and others concerned to shape Dainik Barta as a voice for democratic movements.