Opposition Chief Whip and National Citizen Party (NCP) Convener Nahid Islam today said democratic space in Bangladesh has been gradually shrinking, warning that attempts to portray peaceful protests as disorder could eventually be used to suppress political dissent.
“We can gradually see that democracy is shrinking and the space for speaking out is narrowing. We all have to prevent that,” he said at a programme organised by the NCP-affiliated Democratic Journalist Alliance (DJA) in Gulshan, Dhaka this afternoon.
Nahid said journalists should continue reporting facts objectively, while political parties should play their respective democratic roles.
Referring to recent protests over gas and electricity supplies, he criticised the government for describing such demonstrations as “reckless”.
Nahid also objected to suggestions that street protests should be discouraged because they could lead to vandalism.
“Taking to the street and protesting is a legitimate democratic form of movement,” he said.
“If I take to the streets carrying a placard, it may be said that I have come to vandalise buses. I may then be arrested and cases may be filed against me. This narrative is being created from the government’s side.”
He said an opposition party has the right to speak both inside and outside parliament.
“In a democratic state, I can express any opinion democratically and non-violently. From that perspective, it seems to me that democracy is shrinking,” he said, urging the media to play an impartial role.
Nahid, who previously served in the information ministry under the interim government, also called for implementation of the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission, including a proposed law to protect journalists.
He said the interim government had formed the commission and that many of its recommendations, like other reform proposals, had since faded from public discussion.
Nahid also expressed concern over journalists being removed from different media organisations after the present government took office.
“If we cannot ensure the protection of journalists, they will not be able to work independently,” he said.
Reflecting on the July Uprising, Nahid said journalists had played an important role, often going beyond their professional duties.
“Without the active role of journalists, this would not have been possible. Publicly, indirectly and secretly, you played courageous roles, and we are grateful for that,” he said.
Nahid said around six journalists were killed during the uprising and several hundred others were injured, some of whom still carried pellets or suffered from gunshot wounds.
He, however, acknowledged that sections of the media had also acted against the student movement.
Nahid criticised politically and commercially motivated reporting against student leaders, saying some outlets had tried to damage their reputations.
Referring to recent coverage of NCP leader Hasnat Abdullah MP, he questioned whether publishing 20 to 30 reports about a politician within 24 to 48 hours following a statement could be considered responsible journalism.
He said political parties could criticise media owners or corporate interests, but such criticism should not lead to targeted coverage against political figures.
He also urged the government to continue initiatives taken during the interim period for journalists killed or injured in the July uprising.
“Journalists do not ask for much. They want to perform their professional duties properly. The government or any political force should not become an obstacle to that,” he said.
“Democracy survives when institutions are strong. The stronger we can make that institution, the more likely democracy and democratic movements are to survive in this country,” he said.
