Democracy Hinges on Media Freedom: LGRD Minister

LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called upon all sectors of society to ensure the absolute freedom of the press, acknowledging the vital support media provided during the nation’s democratic movements.

Speaking at an Iftar and discussion program hosted by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists and the Dhaka Union of Journalists on Wednesday (March 11), the Minister emphasized that the era of harassing journalists must never return. He noted that Bangladesh now stands at a historic crossroads to transform into a liberal democratic state through a free and fair electoral process.

Highlighting the upcoming parliamentary session as a milestone, the Minister urged that the Parliament be made the epicenter of all national activities. Social Welfare Minister Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain reflected on the persecution faced by journalists over the past 17 years, urging vigilance to prevent such recurrence. Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon added that "mob culture" has no place in a functional democracy and encouraged institutionalizing democratic practices. Jamaat-e-Islami Secretary General Mia Golam Parwar concluded that the nation’s progress depends on the synergy between the people, political parties, and the media.