Dhaka: Speakers at a policy dialogue on Wednesday called for comprehensive reforms in Bangladesh’s media sector, asserting that a strong, independent, and accountable media is essential for rebuilding the state and strengthening democracy following the July mass uprising. They made these remarks at a policy dialogue titled “Bangladesh After the July Revolution: Media’s Role in Rebuilding the State and Democracy”, organized by the Communication and Research Foundation at the National Press Club in the capital.

According to United News of Bangladesh, BNP Reserved Seat MP and party Media Cell member Mahmuda Habiba highlighted the complexities involved in rebuilding the state and democracy, noting that the country’s media remains one of the most vulnerable sectors. She emphasized that democracy relies on a “triangle of trust” among the state, citizens, and the media, arguing that the media cannot effectively serve as the fourth pillar of the state without ensuring job security, dignity, and a safe working environment for journalists.

Habiba pointed out the challenges media professionals face, such as employment uncertainty and inadequate wages, which hinder their ability to fulfill their democratic roles effectively. She also questioned whether the increasing commercialisation of media, where profit motives often overshadow journalistic values, is undermining the profession. Calling for structural reforms, she emphasized the necessity of ensuring journalists’ rights, accountability, transparency, and accurate information dissemination to restore public confidence in the media.

Habiba argued that these reforms cannot be accomplished by the government alone and stressed the importance of collaborative efforts among citizens and media professionals to create pressure for change. She referenced recommendations from the Media Reform Commission, indicating that meaningful implementation would require sustained political commitment. Discussing the broader political context, she noted that previous governments had created beneficiary groups across politics, bureaucracy, media, and civil society, leading to deeply rooted structural challenges. She reaffirmed the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s dedication to constitutional governance and accountability to the people.

Former University of Dhaka Mass Communication and Journalism Professor Dr. Gitiara Nasreen emphasized that the events of July should be described as a mass uprising rather than a revolution, arguing that a revolution implies fundamental structural transformation, which has not yet occurred. She underscored the importance of fact-based journalism and cautioned against historical distortions in reporting. Nasreen traced the evolution of Bangladesh’s media, noting its transformation from a voluntary public service into an industry increasingly influenced by both the state and corporate interests.

Nasreen stated that dual control by governments and business groups has eroded public trust in the media and compromised journalistic independence. While opposing activist journalism, she insisted that the media must remain accountable to the public and fulfill its democratic responsibilities. She also highlighted the safety risks faced by journalists, attacks on media institutions, and the need for a strong, independent media commission to protect press freedom and ensure public trust. Nasreen concluded that meaningful social and political change cannot be reduced to social media campaigns alone, emphasizing that the July uprising reflected genuine public participation and sacrifice.

Assistant Professor Mahmudunnabi of the University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB) delivered the keynote presentation at the program. Among the panellists were Barrister Razibur Rahman, Jamaat-e-Islami MP; Jimi Amir, a former member of the Media Reform Commission, and others.