Veteran journalist and Jaijaidin founding editor Shafik Rehman on Saturday called for the establishment of a Newspaper Standards Committee, emphasising its role in enhancing the quality, credibility, and accountability of journalism in Bangladesh.
“Journalism in Bangladesh has yet to reach a truly respectable position. There are serious questions surrounding journalists and many media outlets. That is why a Newspaper Standards Committee is urgently needed,” he said while speaking at the Media Conference–2026 organised by the Editors’ Council and the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) in the capital.
Advising journalists to think pragmatically, Shafik Rehman said relying solely on journalism for livelihood has become increasingly difficult. “Given the current state of journalism, journalists should also consider alternative professions. Without another source of income, it is very hard to practise independent journalism in Bangladesh.”
Expressing solidarity with the journalists’ unity demonstrated at the event, he said such collective initiatives were absent during periods when newspapers were shut down and journalists were arrested under past Awami League governments. “Even so, better late than never—we have finally realised the need to stand united.”
Recalling his personal ordeal, Shafik Rehman said he lost sight in his left eye and hearing in his left ear during his time in jail. “I never sought personal publicity; I always wanted publicity for my newspaper.”
Calling on journalists to free themselves from political allegiance, he criticised what he described as opportunistic shifts in loyalty. “Those who are now speaking against the Awami League were once aligned with the government during its tenure. Overnight, as if by magic, they became BNP supporters. This cannot be journalism. Journalists must come out of political subservience.”
Shafik Rehman also voiced concern over Bangladesh’s economic trajectory, drawing a historical parallel with post-fascist Italy, where a collapse in the currency forced people to revert to barter trade.
“I fear Bangladesh could head in that direction,” he warned, citing the proliferation of banks in the country. “The Awami League government has established 76 banks, while a country like England has only four.”
Stressing professional accountability, the veteran journalist said meaningful change in Bangladesh’s media landscape would come only when journalists understand why they chose the profession, publishers recognise their responsibilities and editors remain fully conscious of their roles.
