Media houses represent business interests, not public: Bangladesh minister

LGRD Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has declared that media houses have transformed into "representatives of business houses," compromising their independence.

“

The media is facing a serious crisis, and I do not wish to elaborate further. The biggest problem is that the media is no longer functioning as media; it has become a representative of business houses. To understand the meaning of sycophancy, one only needs to look at the media.

Speaking at an event marking the 45th death anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman, Alamgir stated, "The media is facing a serious crisis, and I do not wish to elaborate further. The biggest problem is that the media is no longer functioning as media; it has become a representative of business houses. To understand the meaning of sycophancy, one only needs to look at the media."

“

I hope you have freed yourselves from these constraints. You have fought and struggled against them, and we stand with you, just as we did before. As we stood together in the streets and joined processions, we will continue to extend our full support and cooperation.

He expressed hope that journalists have overcome these constraints and pledged continued support from the BNP, drawing parallels to past joint struggles. Alamgir also praised Ziaur Rahman's contributions, crediting him with establishing Bangladeshi nationalism and shaping democracy in the country. He suggested that Ziaur Rahman's continued leadership could have propelled Bangladesh further in development and progress.

“

If martyred president Ziaur Rahman had lived for 10 more years, Bangladesh would have gone much further on the path of development and progress. His far-sighted leadership and skill in running the state had created a strong foundation for the country.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, attending as a special guest, remarked that a statesman earns trust through right outlook and policies. He added that Ziaur Rahman played a positive role in fostering free and responsible media and ensuring press freedom.

“

A statesman can earn people’s trust only when he practises the right outlook and policies.