STAFF CORRESPSONDENT

Political parties have stressed their commitment to ensuring press freedom, recognising it as essential for democracy and good governance, and warning that its absence leads to fascism.

They also emphasised the need for upholding the values of ethical journalism and said the media should not be used for corporate or other vested interests.

The remarks were made at a discussion organised by the Editors’ Council to mark the World Press Freedom Day at the Jatiya Press Club yesterday.

In his speech, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir said, “We can assure you that we [the BNP] have always been, and will continue to be, in favour of press freedom -- whether we are in government or not.”

He highlighted his party’s history of standing against the oppression faced by the media, as well as the “clearly fascist” laws imposed on the media under the previous regime.

“We have fought before, we are still fighting, and we will continue this fight. We will never support unjust imposition of one’s views on others. We will, of course, firmly uphold the right to freedom of opinion.

“If we ever get the chance to govern, we will institutionalise press freedom. If we remain in opposition, we will continue our fight to ensure it.”

SEE PAGE 2 COL 1