Bangladesh Nationalist Party secretary general Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said that mobs were being created using the social media platform which was obstructing the country’s democratic journey.
‘Social media has now become a major problem not only in Bangladesh, but around the world,’ said Fakhrul at the inaugural session of the biennial council 2025 of a Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists faction at the National Press Club in Dhaka.
‘There is no accountability for social media. Negative campaigns are being run against political parties, political figures, social figures, and businesspeople while attempts are being made to create chaos,’ he said.
Fakhrul said, ‘Unfortunately, false propaganda is spread on social media in such a way that it seems there is an attempt to create anarchy. Mobs are being formed. False campaigns are being run against people. Individuals are being portrayed differently to humiliate them. As a result, our democratic progress is being hindered.’
He said, ‘We are all waiting with the hope that the February election will return the country to a democratic system. But at the same time, we must remember that freedom of expression is essential in a democracy.’
‘Differences will always exist. I may not agree with you, but I must respect your freedom of expression. Unfortunately, in our country, differing opinions are treated as hostility. Various kinds of false propaganda are spread against those who hold different views,’ he added.
He said, ‘In 1975, Ziaur Rahman established multi-party democracy in Bangladesh, moving away from the one-party rule. He (Zia) reopened newspapers that had been shut down. Later, Khaleda Zia also worked to strengthen media freedom.’
He added that the BNP- declared 31-point outline clearly mentioned ensuring full freedom of the media. This is not just rhetoric; it is a tested commitment of the party.’
Fakhrul emphasised that journalist organisations must become stronger in establishing rights.
He said that ‘acting subserviently to political parties will not solve problems. During the past 15 years, the media has been systematically destroyed. I urge journalists to break free from this situation and unite.’
Addressing journalists, the BNP leader also said, ‘You must speak firmly with the owners and the government about your demands, job security, and working environment. Relying on any political party will not help you achieve your rights.’
The session was presided over by BFUJ acting president Obaidur Rahman Shaheen and the event was conducted by BFUJ general secretary Kader Gani Chowdhury.
