Owners, not government, are stumbling blocks to media freedom: Muntasir Mamun

Dhaka University professor Muntasir Mamun has said the media owners, and not the government, are the main obstacles to the freedom of the press in Bangladesh.

Staff Correspondentbdnews24.com
Published : 6 Nov 2017, 08:15 PM
Updated : 6 Nov 2017, 08:15 PM

"It's not the government, the owners are the stumbling blocks to media freedom in the country," he told the audience at a reception accorded to him and artist Hashem Khan at the National Press Club on Monday.

He also said he was proud to receive the honour by an organisation of journalists -- 'Swadhinatar Muldhara Sangbadik Samaj'.

"Since my writings go against the landgrabbers and civil and military bureaucracy, most newspapers avoid printing my columns," he added.

"As if I am on the blacklist of the newspaper owners. Even a newspaper like Janakantha with which I was closely associated with, does not print my write-ups," he said in the presence of Janakantha executive editor.

"The Janakantha owner apparently does not like me," he said expressing his frustration.

The only exception, he mentioned, was the bdnews24.com which prints some of his articles.

The veteran history professor has been writing for last 50 years and a regular contributor to different media outlets for the past 30 years.

"My friends and well-wishers say that I don't write that bad. It's read-worthy," he said adding "but the newspapers do not print it probably because it does not go with personal likings and corporate interests." "Sometimes, it is not in line with the government policy."

"They asked me to write as per their policy, but I would write against the 'landgrabbers, military-civil bureaucracy, and despotism."

"If necessary, I will write against the government," he added.

Taking aim at the owners, he said, "You say the government is controlling you, there is no freedom...but what freedom do you give to your media outlet?

"I am asking this question for a valid reason. I was associated with journalism, I buy newspapers and read them regularly, I am still somehow attached to the media, that's why I am asking all these questions."

He said most journalists nowadays could not be called 'journalists' as they are mere workers or employees of the corporate houses.

"Owners are the editors, and the editors are not journalists. The journalist community has accepted it."

Criticising the academics, the veteran professor said, "Teachers are not educators anymore, they are bureaucrats. They are doing a job with provisions of auto-promotion and staying in touch with the government so that they can become VC or Pro-VC."

Artist Hashem Khan, Secretary General of Sector Commanders Forum Harun Habib, BFUJ President Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul and Janakantha Executive Editor Swedesh Roy spoke at the reception presided over by Press Club President Muhammad Shafiqur Rahman.