JnU Correspondent

Shafiqul Alam, Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, emphasized that a journalist's primary duty is to question the powerful and ensure they can continue doing so freely.

He noted that whether reports involve Chhatra Dal or Shibir, the focus must first be on verifying their truth. If the reports are accurate, they must be accepted.

He made these remarks on Saturday at a seminar titled “The Role of Media in the July Revolution and Future Expectations,” organized by the Jagannath University Journalists’ Association.

Recalling the role of journalists in the July Revolution, Shafiqul Alam said, “Journalists played a historic role in defying the intimidation of the government during the July movement. Various TV channels, online platforms, print media, and even citizen journalists contributed significantly. On the other hand, a faction attempted to create a narrative portraying the protesters as attackers on BTV and metro rail, labeling them as terrorists and justifying violence against them. This was the language of some media outlets. Whether one is a journalist or not, it is crucial to understand this media language, which often directs public perception by branding individuals as terrorists or criminals.”

Regarding media’s portrayal of the revolution, he added, “Many media outlets depicted the protesters as ‘enemies of the nation,’ sending a message to the rulers to suppress the uprising. During the revolution, 2,000 people lost their lives. If fascist forces had prevailed, two lakh people would have been imprisoned, stripped of their political rights, and a narrative would have emerged branding the protesters as unruly elements causing nationwide chaos.”

Shafiqul Alam further said, “July was our finest hour. Such a time has never come before. I am unsure how much our journalists witnessed during the 1971 Liberation War. Back then, one crore people became refugees, leading lives of immense suffering, yet very little was documented about their plight. We need to enhance our writing habits and document events more extensively. Every moment captured through writing can enlighten us anew.”

He praised university journalists for continuing their work amid challenges, contributing to newspapers and social media by sharing their experiences. Highlighting the significance of citizen journalism, he mentioned the publication of a video showing the martyrdom of Abu Sayeed as a key example. He called for a thorough understanding of the individuals who turned the movement into a mass revolution and those who attacked it, fueling authoritarian rule.

Criticizing former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime, he said, “She created a system of corruption, favoring big companies and facilitating money laundering abroad. Now, those funds are being used to spread propaganda, claiming that fundamentalist forces are rising instead of acknowledging the democratic uprising.” He emphasized the need for a deeper understanding of everyone’s role in July and August.

Faruk Wasif, Director General of the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), commented that fascist forces not only built statues but also established institutions with international connections. “We can similarly establish small institutions that will grow into major entities over time,” he added.

He warned against the "Minus Theory," referring to the political turmoil of 2006-07, and urged stakeholders to avoid sidelining individuals within movements, as it would only weaken their cause.

“Our vision should be centered around national and community interests,” Wasif said. “If it becomes individual-centric, it turns into ambition, leading to division.”

The discussion was chaired by Imran Hossain, President, Jagannath University Journalists’ Association. The event’s Chief Guest was Prof Dr. Md. Rezaul Karim, Vice-Chancellor of Jagannath University, with special guests including Treasurer Dr. Sabina Sharmin, Prof Dr. Md. Rais Uddin and others.