No alternative to unity among journalists: Nurul Kabir

Nurul Kabir, president of the Editors’ Council and editor of the English daily New Age, has urged journalists across the country to stand together, saying, “Journalists must remain united to protect democracy.”

He made call while addressing the opening session of the Media Convention 2026 in Dhaka on Saturday (January 17).

“Aspiring for democracy is not a crime. Yet, institutions working to uphold these democratic ideals are being targeted by the state, the government, and vested interests,” Kabir said. “In such a situation, solidarity and collective action among journalists is crucial.”

The convention, jointly organised by the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and the Editors’ Council, brings together media owners, editors, and journalists to discuss freedom of expression, press safety, and the protection of professional rights.

Kabir stressed that newspapers and other media outlets are not merely platforms for a few hundred or thousand journalists’ voices. “If these institutions are not active and vocal, the rights of society as a whole are at risk,” he said.

Referring to recent attacks on media outlets, including the Daily Star, Kabir described the incidents as deliberate acts of intimidation. “These assaults leave long-lasting trauma. The attack on the Daily Star office was not an expression of anger against a building—it was extreme barbarism, trapping journalists inside and setting fires while obstructing firefighters. Today it happens at one paper, tomorrow it could be elsewhere. In such circumstances, unity among journalists is the only option.”

He added that the development of independent media is deeply linked to the democratic progress of society. “History shows that during major political transitions, attempts to silence voices are common. Even after the defeat of authoritarian rule through public uprisings one and a half years ago, forces are now using that momentum to undermine democratic consciousness.”