In post-revolutionary Bangladesh, Mahmudur Rahman, publisher and editor of Daily Amar Desh, has underlined the importance of journalism free from corporate interference.

At a conversation on Friday night called “What Kind of Media Do We Want in Post-Revolutionary Bangladesh” at the Rangpur Reporters Club auditorium, he made this statement as the main guest.

The Rangpur Journalists’ Union (RPUJ) and Rangpur Reporters Club organized the event, which was moderated by General Secretary Sarkar Mazharul Mannan and presided over by RPUJ President Alhaj Salequzzaman Salek.

Rahman declared: “After being released from the restrictions placed on journalists during the fascist Awami League era, we have gained new independence.” We must now spread the truth without fear.

Highlighting the importance of investigative journalism, Rahman urged editors to remain vigilant against irregularities and corruption. He also stressed that journalists must avoid being used as tools for personal interests.

Recalling the sacrifices of Shaheed Abu Sayeed, the first martyr of the anti-discrimination student movement, Rahman said: “The nation has achieved new freedom through his blood. We should utilize this independence to elevate the standard of journalism.”

He called on editors and correspondents of both local and national newspapers to stand firm against corporate influence and uphold journalistic integrity.

Special guests at the discussion included Daily Amar Desh News Editor Zahed Chowdhury, its Director Shakil Wahed, and President of the Institute of Engineers Bangladesh (IEB) Engineer Reazul Islam Riju. Several senior journalists and editors, including Liaqat Ali Badal, Mahbub Rahman Habu, and Mozaffar Hossain, also addressed the gathering.

Local journalists and media representatives were present at the event.

Earlier in the day, Mahmudur Rahman visited the grave of Shaheed Abu Sayeed in Babanpur village, Pirganj upazila. He offered prayers and expressed condolences to the martyr’s family, reaffirming his commitment to journalistic freedom and the ideals of the movement.