Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor of interim government, Shafiqul Alam, said on Friday that people are now enjoying unprecedented freedom of expression, even openly criticizing and abusing authorities without fear of reprisal.
Speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled "Bangladesh After the July Revolution: Challenges for the Media," held at Chattogram Press Club, Alam emphasized, “We have not broken any pens or locked any presses. If a media outlet fires a journalist, protest outside that office. The Chief Advisor has clearly stated—write freely, express yourselves.”
He also acknowledged public criticism, saying, “Some accuse us of being too soft on allies of autocrats. But we cannot act outside the law.”
Alam expressed concern over the proliferation of misinformation via videos. “Most people now watch videos rather than read news. False content is spreading rapidly. For example, a video shared by Awami League supporters claimed that Jamaat activists were slaughtering a boy—but it turned out to be footage from Latin America involving a drug cartel. These distortions are inciting conflict across social and political groups.”
Calling for responsible journalism ahead of upcoming elections, he stressed the need for every media outlet to establish a fact-checking unit to combat disinformation.
Alam also revealed that the United Nations had published a report on the July massacre, documenting the roles played by Awami League leaders. He said the interim government will request a similar UN-led investigation into journalism practices over the last 15 years, including coverage of elections, war crimes trials, the Shapla Chattar tragedy, and major political events.
The Press Secretary further addressed allegations that certain journalists in Chattogram had assisted police in arresting student protesters during the July movement. He called for an independent investigation committee composed of retired judges and police officials to look into the matter and ensure accountability.
Also speaking at the event, Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Mozumder criticized the former government's use of the Digital Security Act to suppress press freedom. He confirmed that the interim government is committed to abolishing the law and implementing recommendations from the newly formed Media Reform Commission.
The discussion was chaired by Zahidul Karim Kochi, member secretary of the Chattogram Press Club’s interim committee. It was moderated by Saleh Noman and Golam Maola Murad of the Chattogram Metropolitan Journalists Union (CMJU).
Other notable attendees included: Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists Acting President, Obaidur Rahman Shaheen; BFUJ General Secretary, Kader Gani Chowdhury; CMJU President, Mohammad Shahnawaz; Premier University Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Nasrul Qadir; United Professionals Council (Chattogram) Secretary, Dr. Khurshid Jamil.
