BNP’s Mirza Abbas questions role of Bangladesh media

He says while the nation can benefit from the words of journalists, they can also be harmed by them

BNP Standing Committee member Mirza Abbas has questioned why reports of financial dealings between certain businessmen and political parties seldom make headlines.

Speaking at a discussion ahead of an iftar hosted by the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Friday, Abbas alluded to undisclosed transactions that he claimed were taking place at significant scales.

“Some businessmen have relations with some political parties….why do we hear about figures like Tk 150 million or Tk 160 million, and sometimes Tk 1 billion? Why don’t you write about this?” he asked, addressing journalists in attendance.

He urged reporters to embrace their responsibilities, reminding them that “the pen is mightier than the sword”.

“Don’t think of yourselves as small journalists. You may be a journalist, but the ink of your pen is very expensive,” he said.

“The nation will benefit a lot from your writings and your words. Likewise, we can also be harmed by them.”

Speaking later at the same event, Jamaat-e-Islami chief Shafiqur Rahman condemned the death of the 8-year-old “rape” victim from Magura.

“We pray that Allah grants her paradise and brings peace to her family,” Shafiqur said, calling for justice.

“The countrymen are hurt by this incident. May we find the strength to speak out against such crimes in the future.”

He urged the media to play an active role in ensuring accountability, emphasising that journalists have a responsibility to shed light on such issues.