Staff Correspondent:
In its election manifesto, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has promised to ensure press freedom and strengthen the professional and economic security of journalists. At the same time, the party has pledged to form a ‘National Journalist Retirement Welfare Board’ for journalists.
BNP’s election manifesto was announced at a ceremony held at a five-star hotel in the capital on Friday (February 6, 2026). Party Chairman Tarique Rahman read out the manifesto at the ceremony. It highlights the promise of protecting media freedom and comprehensive reforms for the welfare of journalists.
The manifesto states that a National Journalist Retirement Welfare Board will be formed to consider the old age and economic security of journalists. It also pledges to withdraw all false cases filed against journalists for political purposes and ensure the trial of those guilty of killing and torturing journalists.
BNP said that the controversial Digital Security Act (DSA) will be reviewed and a special cell will be formed to ensure the professional safety of journalists. It has also promised to remove the existing political bias in government advertisements in newspapers and follow a balanced distribution policy.
The manifesto also mentions the establishment of a strong media regulatory framework to ensure freedom of expression and accountability. Through this framework, rumors, fake news and hate speech will be prevented. At the same time, it has been announced that there will be a legal obligation to resolve citizens’ complaints against the media within 30 days.
The manifesto also says that strict action will be taken against any attack or aggression to ensure the safety of media workers and media offices. BNP has expressed its firm determination to protect the safety of critical journalists as a state responsibility to encourage impartial and objective journalism.
