A media convention will be held in the capital Dhaka today to protest at organised attacks on freedom of expression and democratic values and to express a collective commitment to independent, responsible and courageous journalism.

The event titled ‘Media Convention 2026’ will take place at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium in the capital’s Farmgate from 10:00am to 1:30pm.

The convention is being jointly organised by the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh and the Editors’ Council.

Organisers said that democratic values in the country had come under sustained assault in recent times, with incidents of mob violence posing an unprecedented challenge to freedom of expression and democratic principles.

Journalists will speak at the convention on protecting democratic space and media freedom, ensuring the safety of journalists, and upholding the professional dignity and rights of media workers.

Leaders of various journalist organisations, including the Association of Television Channel Owners, Broadcast Journalist Centre, Jatiya Press Club, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, Dhaka Union of Journalists, Dhaka Reporters Unity, Photo Journalists Association and Crime Reporters Association of Bangladesh, have been invited to attend the event.

Journalists working outside Dhaka, along with editors, publishers, media professionals and columnists, are also expected to participate in the convention aimed at forging unity in defence of responsible and courageous journalism.

NOAB president AK Azad and Editors’ Council president Nurul Kabir, in a joint call, urged media professionals to participate actively in the programme, stressing that collective action is necessary to protect press freedom and responsible journalism in the country.

Bangladesh has recently witnessed a series of organised incidents of violence, including mob attacks, which the associations described as unprecedented assaults on freedom of expression and democratic principles.