DHAKA, March 14, 2025 (BSS) –
Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Standing Committee Member Mirza Abbas today said journalists carry significant responsibility in shaping society through their writings.
“Journalists have a much greater responsibility for the overall welfare of the society and the nation. Journalists working in both small and large media outlets have great value in shaping public opinion,” he said.
Mirza Abbas was addressing as chief guest an iftar party organized by the Dhaka Reporters’ Unity on its premises in Segunbagicha in the capital.
Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman also addressed the programme as special guest.
Mirza Abbas said, “Your pen is far more powerful than a sword. What you write or say can greatly benefit the nation, but it can also cause harm if misused.”
He also expressed his grievance, saying, “I am the only person accused of allotting plots for journalists, but journalists themselves are not accused for the same reason. I will never forget this sorrow.”
Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, in his speech, called for increased efforts to speak out against rapists, referring to the tragic death of an 8-year-old girl in Magura. “The entire nation has been deeply hurt by the incident, and we must work together to ensure justice for such crimes. The media also have role to play in this regard,” he said.
Rahman also urged political leaders to engage in self-reflection, while encouraging media professionals to stand with pride. “We, too, are not above mistakes. I hope the media will highlight both our good and bad aspects,” he said.
DRU President Abu Saleh Akon extended greetings to the guests, politicians and DRU members for their participation in the iftar programme, while DRU General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel moderated the programme.
BNP Chairperson’s Adviser Syed Moazzem Hossain Alal, Jamaat-e-Islami’s Assistant Secretary General Maulana Abdul Halim, former DRU President Shakhawat Hossain Badsha, and DRU Vice President and Iftar Committee Convener Ghazi Anwar also addressed the programme.
Former DRU president Shahjahan Sardar, Elias Hossain, Saiful Islam, and Syed Shukur Ali Shuvo, former General Secretary Elias Khan, Monir Hossain Liton, and Kabir Hossen, Jatiya press Club General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan, President of Dhaka Journalists Union (DUJ) Md. Shahidul Islam, General Secretary Khurshid Alam were present at the event.
Besides, DRU Joint Secretary Nadia Sharmin, Finance Secretary Shakhawat Hossain Suman, Organizing Secretary Abdul Hai Tuhin, Office Secretary Rafiq Rafi, Women’s Affairs Secretary Rozina Rozi, Publicity and Publication Secretary Mizan Chowdhury, Information Technology and Training Secretary Md. Borhan Uddin, Sports Secretary Md Mojibur Rahman, Entertainment Secretary Mohammad Salim Ullah (Mesbah), Welfare Secretary Rafiq Mridha and executive members Md Junaid Hossain (Junaid Shishir), Aktaruzzaman, Aminul Haque Bhuiyan, Md Faruque Alam, Sumon Chowdhury, and Salim Ullah (SU Selim) were also present at the iftar programme.
