Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury at Chattogram club. Photo: BSS

CHATTOGRAM, March 11, 2025 (BSS) - BNP Standing Committee member and former minister Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said the media must play a strong role in restoring democracy in the country.
 
“I am urging journalists to come forward for strengthening democratic process in the country through practicing objective journalism,” he said.
 
Amir Khasru said this while speaking as chief guest at the Doa and Iftar Mahfil of Chattogram Press Club (CPC) and the Chattogram Metropolitan Union of Journalists (CMUJ) at Chattogram Club auditorium today.
 
 City Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain, BNP Central Joint Organizing Secretary Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, Daily Jugantor Editor Kabi Abdul Hai Sikder, National Press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan, BFUJ Acting President Obaidur Rahman Shamim, BFUJ Secretary General Quader Gani Chowdhury, among others, addressed the function.
 
Speaking about the importance of the media, Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury said those who work in the media have played an important role in the last 16 years despite many hardships.
 
“We are walking on the path of democratic unity by expelling the fascists in a free Bangladesh. Media can play an important role in establishing the people elected government in the coming days,” he added.
 
Dr. Shahadat Hossain said, the people of the country have been deprived of voting rights for 17 long years.
 
“The people now want to regain democracy, good governance and fundamental rights.,” he added.
 
BFUJ Secretary General Quader Gani Chowdhury said although independent journalism is considered a crucial pillar of democracy, it is now facing multifaceted challenges.
 
“There is no law to protect journalists. The biggest challenge that most media workers in our country face is practicing free journalism,” he added.
 
Jahidul Karim Kochi, Member Secretary of the Interim Committee of the CPC, CMUJ President Mohammad Shahnawaz, its General Secretary Saleh Noman also spoke at the event.