Media freedom will shrink without journalists‍‍` protection: Kader Gani

Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General and newly appointed Managing Director and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Muhammad Kader Gani Chowdhury said media freedom will shrink unless journalists are provided with adequate protection.

He made the remarks as the main discussant at the annual general meeting of the Cox‍‍`s Bazar Union of Journalists held today at Cox‍‍`s Bazar Press Club.

Cox‍‍`s Bazar Union of Journalists President Nurul Islam Helali chaired the meeting, while BFUJ President Obaidur Rahman Shahin, Cox‍‍`s Bazar Press Club President Mahbubur Rahman and other journalists also spoke.

Kader Gani said free and independent journalism is essential for the country‍‍`s development and the effective functioning of democracy. He called for safeguarding journalists‍‍` rights and creating an enabling environment where they can excel in their profession.

He also urged journalists to remain united in protecting media freedom and safeguarding their professional interests.

"Journalists are now able to work more freely than at any previous time, but challenges remain," he said, pointing to political influence, institutional pressure and professional insecurity as continuing obstacles to independent journalism.

Unwarranted interference also undermines media freedom, while yellow journalism and a lack of professional competence remain major concerns, he added.

Kader Gani called on media organisations to ensure fair wages, proper working conditions and professional dignity for journalists.

"Journalism is not merely a job; it is an essential institution for advancing democracy, protecting citizens‍‍` rights and exposing crime, corruption and injustice," he said.

He noted that the Constitution provides protection for an independent media alongside an independent judiciary. 

The BFUJ secretary general said independent journalism helps authorities know the truth about the problems in the country and provides them with an opportunity to take corrective measures.

"A journalist‍‍`s pen is not a weapon of destruction. It is a means of giving people a voice, revealing the truth and standing against injustice," he said.

Kader Gani said the strength of a nation depends not only on economic development and infrastructure but also on justice, humanity, accountability and the courage to speak the truth.

"Ensuring a safe working environment for journalists is not only in the interests of journalists; it is also part of protecting ordinary people‍‍`s right to know," he said.

He stressed that any allegations against journalists should be addressed through the law and due process rather than through attacks, intimidation or undue pressure.