The National Editors Council (NEC) expressed determination to rebuild Bangladesh’s press putting an end to partisan journalism.
This was revealed at the first general meeting held at a hotel in the capital on Monday, with editors of 29 daily newspapers published in Dhaka and different parts of the country.
Jaijaidin Editor Shafik Rehman was elected interim president of the council, while Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman was elected general secretary and Wada Editor Shafiqul Alam was elected treasurer at the meeting.
The editors also approved the NEC constitution, with several amendments.
The meeting chaired by Shafik Rehman, featured discussions on press freedom, professional standards and the challenges facing journalism in Bangladesh.
Mahmudur Rahman said the NEC would be expanded to bring more editors under its umbrella and create a united platform through which editors could work together to protect independent journalism.
He said the organisation had begun its journey democratically and in accordance with its constitution at its very first general meeting.
Referring to the past 17 years, Mahmudur said press freedom had been restored in Bangladesh after what he described as a prolonged struggle against a “fascist government” and sacrifices by hundreds of people.
He said the time had come for the media industry to engage in self-criticism over the role played by some editors helping the previous government become fascist through sycophancy. We must now ‘stand upright’ and uphold professional integrity, he added.
Jugantor Editor Abdul Hai Shikder described the media situation of the past 17 years as a “disgraceful chapter” in the history of journalism. We now have to ask genuine questions, instead of pouring praises” he said, stressing the need for the media to overcome the problems of the past.
People’s View Editor Osman Gani Mansur said journalism had been turned into partisan activity and had been compromised through various benefits and inducements. “The NEC has to work to overcome this situation,” he said.
Wada Editor Shafiqul Alam said a platform for editors had become essential in post-uprising Bangladesh. “The NEC must work to become the voice of the whole of Bangladesh. Through this, we can ensure freedom of the press and freedom of expression,” he said.
In his closing remarks, NEC President Shafik Rehman said journalists have an important role to play in maintaining peace and stability in the country.
“If we want to move the country forward democratically, journalists must remain united and work together,” he said, seeking cooperation from editors across the country to bring them under a common platform.
Editors who also addressed the meeting included Salah Uddin Mohammad Babar of Naya Diganta, Maruf Kamal Khan of Pratidiner Bangladesh, Mokarram Hossain of The New Nation, Loton Ekram of Bangladesh Pratidin, Shahidul Islam of Manabkantha, Sheikh Nazrul Islam of Khabar Sangjog, Syed Mezbah Uddin of Bangladesher Khabor, KM Belayet Hossain of Bhorer Dak, Obaidur Rahman Shaheen of Janata, Sadrul Hasan of The Bangladesh Post, Gias Uddin of Banijjo Protidin, Monir Hossain of Khola Kagoj, Sayem Faruqi of Rupali Bangladesh, Sheikh Mohammad Arif of Bhorer Bangla, Dr Mahbubur Rahman of The Global Post, Shamsul Haque Durrani of Nawroz, Afsar Uddin Chowdhury of Karnaphuli (Chattogram), Shantanu Islam of Dainik Lok Samaj (Jashore), Sohel Mahbub of Notun Provat (Rajshahi), Saiful Islam of Dainik Newtimes (Mymensingh), Muktabis-un-Nur of Dainik Jalalabad (Sylhet), Morsalin Babla of Juger Chinta (Narayanganj), Md Ashraf of Dainik Probaho (Khulna), and Azad Alauddin of Bangladesh Bani (Barishal).
