Independent journalism is guaranteed by the constitution for democracy, accountability and social justice, Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, said today.

Any attempt to use the media only for profit by the owners ultimately destroys public trust and democratic values, the editor said while speaking at Media Convention 2026, jointly organised by the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (Noab) and the Editors’ Council at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh auditorium in Dhaka.

“Journalism exists for social service. Democracy, human rights, removal of discrimination and ensuring equal rights of all people are the core of our profession,” he said.

At the beginning of his speech, the editor paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War and the July uprising, saying the convention was rooted in the struggle for freedom of expression and democratic values.

About journalism, the editor said, "The constitution has given protection to only two professions. One is an independent judiciary, and the other is an independent media.”

Acknowledging that constitutional protection comes with limitations, he said history had shown why journalism needed such safeguards.

“Experience tells us that societies where independent journalism is strong are democratic, less discriminatory and more respectful of people’s rights,” he said.

Mahfuz urged journalists to uphold honesty, integrity and ethical values in both professional and personal lives.

“If we, as journalists, fail to stand by these values, society will not accept us,” he said, adding that editorial leadership carries an exceptional moral responsibility.

“Every action of an editor affects the institution and the profession. As editors, our moral, professional and ethical responsibility is even higher than others,” he said. “If an editor compromises ethics, the institution is damaged and the profession becomes polluted,” he added.

Turning to media owners, he thanked them for investing in newspapers but cautioned against treating journalism like any other commercial industry.

“If you invest in media with the same mindset as other industries, that media will never earn people’s trust,” he said.

Describing journalists as “social doctors”, Mahfuz explained the role of the press in identifying problems in society.

“When I go to a doctor, I do not go to hear compliments. I want to know what is wrong with my body,” he said.

“Similarly, journalists point out the limitations and failures of governance because we love society and the country and want improvement.”

He urged owners not to force journalism to serve narrow business interests and called for a clear code of conduct for media ownership.

Referring to the judiciary, the editor said independent journalism and an independent judiciary were complementary forces.

“Independent journalism is a key strength of an independent judiciary,” he said, expressing concern over the misuse of contempt of court laws.

“When we write about the judiciary, it is not to insult or undermine it. We write with respect, but accountability is also a public right,” he said, urging judges to support press freedom.

Addressing the government, the editor said independent journalism is the only institution that spoke uncomfortable truths to those in power.

“Your party people will not tell you the truth. Bureaucrats will not tell you. Intelligence agencies will not tell you,” he said.

“Only independent journalism tells the government the truth.”

He said governments that genuinely believed in press freedom benefited the most. “Who will tell you whether your projects are right, whether people accept them, or whether corruption is destroying them?” he asked.

Reminding the government that public funds belonged to taxpayers, he said, “The budget you control is not your money. It is the people’s money.”

He said journalists would support pro-people and democratic initiatives but would expose corruption wherever it existed.

Mahfuz added that the country now had an opportunity to rebuild democracy following the July uprising.

“This is the time to establish a new, democratic, ethical and courageous journalism. Let us work together so that our profession truly serves the people, and let us not fail morally even by the smallest margin.”