BNP senior leader Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury on Tuesday (5 August) urged journalists to act as the voice of the people rather than align with political parties, criticizing what he described as media subservience during Sheikh Hasina’s regime.

Speaking as chief guest at a "Journalist-Student-Public Gathering" at the Chittagong Press Club, marking the first anniversary of the July Uprising, Khosru said, “You don’t need to be BNP’s journalists. Be journalists of the nation, of the people. That is the promise of a new Bangladesh.”
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He strongly criticized journalists who, in his words, “stood with autocrats in the name of journalism,” saying they had become political operatives rather than members of a free press.

Reflecting on the past 15 years under Hasina’s rule, he accused many in the media of selling out their integrity and serving “fascist powers” for personal benefit.

Khosru also lauded Tarique Rahman for his commitment to media freedom, recalling an incident in which Rahman defended a cartoon criticising him, standing in support of freedom of expression.

He called for neutral, ethical journalism that amplifies public voices and defends national interests, aligning with BNP’s 31-point vision for a democratic Bangladesh.

The event featured cultural performances, a photo exhibition titled “July Uprising Through the Lens,” and speeches by local BNP leaders and cultural figures. It was chaired by Jahidul Karim Kochi, member secretary of the Chittagong Press Club. Other speakers included Abul Hashem Bakkar, former general secretary of Chattogram Metropolitan BNP, and Abu Sufiyan, former convener of South District BNP.