Independent media source of truth when institutions fail

Independent media is the only reliable source of truthful information for a democratic government when other state pillars fail, said Mahfuz Anam, editor and publisher of The Daily Star, yesterday.

The autonomous and critical functions of both parliament and the judiciary have gradually been curtailed, limiting their ability to keep the government on the right path, he said while speaking as a guest speaker at an award ceremony held in honour of the late Prof Sitara Parvin of the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University.

The event took place at the Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium at the Faculty of Social Sciences.

Anam said, “The ruling party and bureaucracy rarely provide the government with the truth it needs to function democratically. Even intelligence agencies fail to convey the reality to the government.”

“If accurate information reached them, many misdeeds could have been avoided. Therefore, only independent press and media can ensure truthful information reaches the government,” he added.

Anam also emphasised journalists’ ethical responsibilities, saying credibility directly affects public trust.

“Journalists must lead ethics-based lives. You are informing society about its realities. If your personal integrity comes into question, will people still trust you?” he asked.

Regarding the role of editors, he said an editor must never compromise on ethics and should resign if unable to uphold these principles, as public trust largely depends on the editor’s values, leadership and the integrity of the media house.

He also said constant dependence on shareholders for staff salaries may eventually interfere with independent journalism.

Speaking as chief guest, the university’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Administration) Prof Sayema Haque Bidisha expressed hope that the recognition would inspire students to further sharpen their excellence in both academia and their careers.

She said underprivileged students at the university benefit greatly from such scholarship programmes.

Expressing gratitude to the members of the Sitara Parvin Award Trust Fund, she said the initiatives also help the new generation learn about the work and contributions of previous generations of teachers.

A total of 10 meritorious students of the department were recognised with the award for their outstanding results.

This year’s award recipients include Azra Humayra, Muhammad Muzzammil Haque, Abir Ferdous Ayon, Kouritra Podder Tirtha, Asrifa Sultana Reya, Sumaiya Jahan, Afrina Sultana, Badhan Dev, Afrin Jahan, and Md Rafiuzzaman Labib.

Prof Sitara Parvin, daughter of former President Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed and wife of retired MCJ Prof Ahaduzzaman Mohammad Ali, died in a road accident on June 23, 2005 in the US.