Dhaka, Aug 31 (V7N) – Professor Ali Riaz, Vice-Chairman of the National Consensus Commission, has urged journalists to continue their movement for media rights, saying that promises of press freedom from politicians would be the country’s biggest reform. He emphasized that such reforms would outweigh formal agreements made in the National Consensus Commission.

“Even if there is no interim government, journalists will remain. Therefore, they must continue the movement to achieve their rights,” he said.

Professor Riaz made the remarks during a view-exchange meeting on the proposed report of the Media Reform Commission at the Daily Star Bhaban on Sunday at 10:30 am.

Responding to questions about why the Media Reform Commission’s report was not included in the National Consensus Commission’s discussions, he explained that four other commission reports were also excluded. The main reason, he said, was time. The Consensus Commission was formed on February 12, but the full reports of the six commissions were not yet received. By the time the Media Commission report arrived, discussions with political parties had already started, and adding it then would have disrupted the process.

Professor Riaz stressed that media reform must prioritize independence and the role of the press as the fourth pillar of the state, along with institutional and professional considerations. He urged journalist unions to actively advocate for the professional security of media workers.

“The government cannot wait. Demands should be raised from a professional standpoint, but journalists are not taking the position they should. There is no need to look to the Chief Advisor for raising these demands,” he said.

He also criticized media ownership patterns, saying that many owners exploit journalists for other interests, making it difficult to establish independent journalism.

“The media cannot become the fourth pillar of the state if the owners act like shopkeepers,” Professor Riaz added.

END/SMA/AJ