BNP Acting Secretary General Advocate Ruhul Kabir Rizvi on Thursday said press freedom was essential to strengthening democracy and ensuring the rule of law, as he paid tribute to journalists killed or injured while covering the mass uprising.

Speaking as chief guest at the 31st founding anniversary of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU), Rizvi said journalists had risked their lives while covering the anti-fascist movement, with some killed and others left with permanent disabilities.

“The noble profession of journalism must be further dignified through such courageous work despite risks to life,” he said.

Rizvi said an independent and objective media could also help reduce crime and corruption by holding institutions and individuals accountable.

Referring to the previous 17 years, he alleged that despite the emergence of numerous television channels and newspapers, space for political expression had largely been restricted to one individual and one political party.

“Those who tried to speak beyond that were either subjected to enforced disappearance or forced to remain in jail,” he said.

Rizvi said media outlets, television talk shows, presenters and social media had faced various restrictions during that period, but journalists, particularly those working at the grassroots, continued to report despite the constraints.

He urged journalists to verify information before publication and report facts regardless of political pressure. The media, he said, should function independently and impartially under a democratic government, just as the administration and judiciary are expected to operate independently.

State Minister for Road Transport and Railways Habibur Rashid, also speaking at the event, described the media as a bridge between the state and the public.

He said truthfulness, objectivity, professionalism and responsibility remained central to journalism, while rapid dissemination of information had increased the risks posed by rumours, misinformation and unverified reports.

“Therefore, alongside delivering news quickly, ensuring accuracy is a major responsibility of professional journalists,” Rashid said.

He said fact-based reporting on reforms and development projects in road transport, rail connectivity and public services could help policymakers assess their work.

DRU President Abu Saleh Akon chaired the programme, while General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel conducted the proceedings.

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