Dhaka, May 04 (V7N) – BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has remarked that freedom of the press in Bangladesh has improved compared to the past, but warned that attacks on media institutions and character assassination campaigns are incompatible with democratic principles.

Speaking at a discussion organized by the Editors' Council at the National Press Club on Sunday (May 4), Fakhrul emphasized that democracy must ensure freedom of expression, freedom of the press, and tolerance of diverse viewpoints.

"Blowing up or crushing a media organization, or carrying out mob justice against it, cannot be considered democratic. Recently, there has been a disturbing trend of character assassination on social media," he said.

He also pointed out that at times, certain media outlets or groups attack others, with some political factions joining in. "True democracy means giving space to everyone’s voice and respecting all views," he added.

Highlighting his party’s historical role, Mirza Fakhrul claimed that the first significant step toward press freedom came in 1975 with the help of the BNP. He criticized the Baksal regime for suppressing the press and argued that BNP has played a greater role in protecting press freedom.

"We don't claim the BNP is above reproach, but undoubtedly, the party has contributed more to ensuring media freedom than others," he said.

Addressing criticism about reform agendas, Fakhrul said that BNP initiated necessary reforms, and accusing the party over so-called 'unnecessary reforms' is politically motivated.

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