LGRD Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has said media houses have become “representatives of business houses,”

“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,” he said.

He made the remarks as chief guest at a photo exhibition and discussion held today at the National Press Club to mark the 45th death anniversary of BNP founder Ziaur Rahman.

Addressing journalists, Fakhrul said, “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.”

Speaking about Ziaur Rahman, he said the martyred president had opened a new chapter in Bangladesh’s political history by establishing Bangladeshi nationalism and giving democracy an institutional shape.

“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,” he added.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, who spoke as a special guest, said, “A statesman can earn people’s trust only when he practises the right outlook and policies.”

“Ziaur Rahman played a helpful role in the growth of free and responsible media and took a positive position on ensuring press freedom.”