BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said that the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) has played an important role in Bangladesh’s struggle for democracy. “During a time when freedom of expression was suppressed and speaking out was considered a sin, particularly when a statement was critical of the government, the DRU never hesitated to publish and disseminate whatever space was available to us,” Rizvi said.

He said journalists themselves came under pressure during that period. “Many of them faced persecution under repressive laws, including the Digital Security Act. They had to endure imprisonment and harassment,” he added.

Rizvi made the remarks at the inaugural ceremony of the DRU’s 31st founding anniversary, held on Thursday (September 10) at the DRU premises in Segunbagicha, Dhaka.

He said the country is now experiencing a more open environment where everyone, including those in government and outside it, can express their views freely.

“Those who are in government and those outside it, including the opposition, will be able to voice their opinions freely. They will also be able to offer constructive criticism of the government’s activities,” he said.

“This is how a democratic society and state are built. The media is an important pillar of that democratic aspiration,” Rizvi added.