Truthful Journalists Played a Key Role in the Fall of Autocracy, Rizvi Says at Press Club

BNP acting secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has said truthful and principled journalists played an important role in the anti-autocracy movement. He said journalists such as Gias Kamal Chowdhury, Ataur Samad and Fayez Ahmed never compromised on truth and justice, and that their courage, sense of principle and firm stance strengthened the movement for the fall of autocracy.

He made the remarks as chief guest at a discussion organised by the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangbadik Samity at the Zahur Hossain Chowdhury auditorium of the National Press Club on Monday morning (26 October).

Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said: 'During the autocratic Ershad regime, people depended on the BBC and Voice of America to know the real situation in the country. At that time, the reporting of Voice of America journalist Gias Kamal Chowdhury and BBC journalist Ataur Samad was extremely important to people. It was through their voices that ordinary people learned about the country's political situation and the movement.'

He said: 'During the anti-Ershad movement, various kinds of pressure were created on journalists. Even amid arrests and harassment, Gias Kamal Chowdhury continued reporting with courage. For security reasons, he sometimes had to keep secret even the place from which he sent his reports. Such dedication and courage toward professional duty established him in a place of special honour among the people.'

The BNP leader added: 'Many journalists of that time were principled, resolute and uncompromising. Despite various temptations and pressures, they did not move away from their ideals. The example of truthful journalism they left behind is worth following for the current generation of journalists as well.'

Recalling his personal relationship with Gias Kamal Chowdhury, Rizvi said their acquaintance and closeness developed from the time he became involved in student politics. He said he was impressed by Chowdhury's extraordinary speaking ability at various events and his sincere, affectionate behaviour toward young people, describing him as not only a courageous journalist but also a guardian-like personality.

At the discussion, Ruhul Kabir Rizvi paid tribute to the memory of Gias Kamal Chowdhury and prayed for the forgiveness of his soul.