There was a time when Bangladesh has had the opportunity of being served by world-class journalists who were objective, critical and fearlessly forthright in their thoughts and writings.
Emerging pattern of journalism, worldwide
Those days, there were no computers nor electric typewriters — yet the journalists of the bygone years wrote their entire manuscripts by hand or on manual typewriters. There was no internet for instant access to global news either. Still, they served the public with informed, truthful reporting. Their fearless writings on world events — revolutions in Palestine, South Africa, Latin America, Vietnam, and elsewhere — were accurate, dignified, and unblemished. People trusted the news from sources like the BBC, Voice of America, and Deutsche Welle without hesitation. Such journalism and journalists may no longer be among us, but their names resonate in the nation’s collective consciousness to this day. I remember , during the war of liberation , whenever we got some respite, we would scramble to get hold of a transistor, tune to the BBC Bangla service to listen to the latest progress of the war.
These days things are different. Regardless of whether the news comes from international or domestic media, the first thought that crosses one’s mind is: Is this even true? We try to verify facts through alternative sources, and that too, the alternative sources, often cannot be fully trusted, either.
Internationally, the death of honest journalism began somewhat spectacularly, with the spread of the falsehood of Iraq’s possession of weapons of mass destruction and justification of the U.S. illegal war on Iraq. A new breed of journalism called “embedded journalists” who merely echoed and reported the narratives fed by the American establishment emerged, albeit with exceptions such as Robert Fisk who were more of an exception than rule. Gaza is yet another example honest and daring journalism where several journalists had put their lives on line to gather and disseminate truthful information and in the process, paid a heavy price leaving a stellar example of honest journalism for the world to take note and follow.
It is true that the rise of social media platforms has offered the opportunity to overflow the public space with reports and analyses that often are fictitious, distorted, or purely imaginary. This by no means is journalism but many, the rank and file, have developed a liking for such disinformation, and misinformation especially when these target and/or vilify their political or personal adversaries. This is deeply worrying. Again, in some countries spread of disinformation and misinformation are actively encouraged by their governments and often used as part of their foreign policy tools.
Journalism/Opinion-Dispensers in Bangladesh
In recent years, Bangladesh has witnessed a disturbing rise in opportunistic journalism where several “renowned” journalists who instead of choosing objectivity in reporting and analyses have instead, become the mouthpieces or agents of the deposed fascist Hasina regime or of foreign vested interests. A closer look at their reporting and commentary reveals the bias and loyalty, that cost the nation.
It is therefore no surprise that along with their political masters many of these sycophantic journalists have fled the country after the July/August 2024 uprising to India and continue in one form or another in bad mouthing the change.
One recalls the farcical press conferences that the deposed prime minister Shiekh Hasina used to hold periodically, which used to be less about substance and more about flattery if not a show of servility — a chorus of fawning voices showering her with praises rather than probing her policies used to be the norm. At times, such so-called press briefings were used to publicly humiliate the deposed prime minister’s political rivals such as Begum Khaleda Zia, a former prime minister. This is the low that journalism stooped to, in recent years in Bangladesh and this came for a price. Investigations by the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) have unearthed staggering amounts of wealth and illicit funds in the accounts of some of these unprincipled fugitive journalists, as well as their associates.
Following the student-led revolution in Bangladesh during July–August 2024, which led to the ouster and flight of Sheikh Hasina to India, the entire Indian establishment — including its mainstream and social media, a section of former diplomats, and retired military personnel — unleashed a virulent campaign to malign Bangladesh. Their narratives have been riddled with lies, misinformation, and outright disinformation. Indeed, a recent international study identified India as one of the world’s leading manufacturers of false information — earning its media the derisive label “Godi media.”
Badmouthing is not journalism
In Bangladesh, too, we now see a growing brigade of self-styled media vigilantes and so-called watchdogs. To be fair, they are not obscurantists; many play a positive role in exposing wrongdoing by government functionaries and even the media itself. So far, so good. But the problem begins when some of them descend into personal vilification — hurling insults and spreading malicious, baseless allegations against individuals.
I have recently observed a few senior journalists — once respected figures — who seem to have made it their personal mission to malign Dr. Muhammad Yunus with unsubstantiated claims and innuendo, even questioning his integrity. Such behaviour raises doubts about their true motives. I have known Dr. Yunus personally for nearly forty years. Beyond his status as an international figure, I can attest that he is a man of impeccable integrity.
Let me pose a fundamental question: Had it not been for Dr. Yunus, what would have happened in the immediate aftermath of the revolution? Who else possessed the credibility, moral authority, and international standing to take up the reins of the nation at that perilous moment? Since our Liberation in 1971, perhaps never before had our sovereignty and independence faced such grave danger, with predators lurking on our borders. Yet it was Dr. Yunus who stood tall — alone but resolute — confronting challenges both internal and external.
Going forward
Granted, Dr. Yunus is no angel; no leader is beyond reproach. But his unquestionable sincerity dwarfs his shortcomings.
However, one important point deserves attention: he is rarely seen in public, except when meeting foreign dignitaries or attending national events. I would humbly urge him to hold periodic press conferences, to speak directly with the media, and inform citizens about national affairs. Continuous communication with the people is the oxygen that sustains any government.
His press secretary, Mr. Shafiul Alam, is indeed doing a commendable job — but he cannot substitute for the voice of the Head of the Government.