Journalism cannot be neutral in unequal society, says editors' council chief

Journalism's foremost duty is to serve the public interest by holding those in power accountable, especially in an unequal society where neutrality is impossible, according to Editors' Council President Nurul Kabir. Speaking at a seminar at the University of Dhaka, the New Age editor urged the government to repeal laws that continue to restrict press freedom more than five decades after Bangladesh's independence.

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If society is divided into different classes and injustice exists, how can journalism, or any intellectual activity, remain neutral?

Kabir questioned the concept of "neutral journalism," stating that neutrality in a society marked by class divisions and injustice merely preserves the status quo. He argued that journalism's first responsibility is to present truthful information but must also interpret facts from the perspective of public interest, enabling citizens to form informed opinions about the political, economic, and cultural order. He described journalism as a "political intellectual activity" committed to democracy and public interest.

The editor also criticized media laws that he believes constrain press freedom. He specifically referred to a 1973 publication licensing law that requires publishers to undertake that their publications will not act against the government's interests, calling the provision inconsistent with democratic principles. "If an elected government acts against public interest, writing against it is not only the people's fundamental right but can also be their responsibility," he asserted, urging the minister to repeal the provision.

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If an elected government acts against public interest, writing against it is not only the people's fundamental right but can also be their responsibility.

Responding to Kabir's address, Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon acknowledged journalism as an indispensable pillar of modern democracy. However, he stressed that factual accuracy and objectivity must precede any broader public-interest mission. Swapon warned that advocacy could distort reporting if objectivity is compromised. He also stated that the government is collaborating with media owners, editors, and journalists to establish a media commission aimed at strengthening professional standards, improving journalists' safety, and addressing issues related to media freedom. The seminar was organized by the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism to mark its 64th founding anniversary.

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Advocacy could distort reporting if objectivity was compromised.