Staff Correspondent

Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam on Saturday called for an honest and critical assessment of the state of journalism during more than 15 years of the Awami League rule and emphasised the need for a fresh start aimed at rebuilding public trust in Bangladesh's media landscape.

“We are not discussing the kind of journalism we had during that period. I believe there should be an honest conversation about it,” Alam said while speaking at a discussion organised by the Broadcast Journalist Centre (BJC) in the capital.

He said the government is reaching out to the United Nations, seeking expert involvement to evaluate the journalistic standards of the past decade and a half.

“We are writing to the United Nations, asking them to send experts so the people can understand what kind of journalism prevailed during those years. It's a critical area that must be addressed,” he said, adding that restoring trust in journalism is only possible through sincere efforts in this regard.

Alam acknowledged that individuals are entitled to their political ideologies, but stressed the importance of avoiding misinformation.

“Anyone can pursue a political ideology but the question is whether that individual is providing any misinformation. Truly, we are also thinking of the failures (in the past). A new journey is needed - one that leaves those failures behind,” he added.

The Press Secretary also questioned whether media outlets had taken their own shortcomings seriously. “Have we made sincere efforts to address our journalistic failures?” he asked.

BJC President Rezwanul Haque Raza, representatives from various media organisations and members of the Media Reform Commission were, among others, present.