Over a year after the July Uprising, driven by the collective will of ordinary citizens, hopes for a renewed Bangladesh still remain high. Yet, pressing questions persist: how has the media landscape evolved amid cycles of misinformation and disinformation, and how are journalists adapting ahead of the 2026 national election? Addressing these questions, The Bangladesh Dialogue hosted the seventh edition of its signature series, TBD Perspective, titled “From the Newsroom,” on October 11, 2025, at the 3D Seminar Hall of the Bangladesh Agriculturalists’ Institution. The discussion featured two eminent journalists, Md. Muktadir Rashid of Bangla Outlook and Zina Tasreen of The Daily Star reflected on the transformation of Bangladesh’s media and shifting public expectations. Together, they examined the past, present, and future of journalism practices in Bangladesh and emphasised the urgent need for ethical reform and renewed credibility in the profession.
During the discussion, journalist Zina Tasreen stated that despite 16 years of media suppression, the past year under the interim government has failed to deliver meaningful press freedom. She noted that since August 2025, rising incidents of mob violence and the government’s inability to manage them have stalled progress toward a freer media environment. The much-anticipated reforms promised by the interim administration led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, she argued, have remained largely unfulfilled. Md. Muktadir Rashid echoed similar concerns, pointing to an unaddressed dimension of media accountability. He emphasized that while the state has restricted press freedom, little scrutiny has been directed at journalists who engaged in spreading misinformation, fabricating reports, or participating in corruption. Rashid called for the establishment of a Truth Commission to investigate such ethical breaches committed before and after August 5, 2024. He further stressed that the media’s fundamental role is to serve as a bridge between the government and the public, closing information gaps and amplifying citizens’ voices. However, over the past year, much of the press, he argued, has acted as an echo chamber for political narratives rather than representing the people’s interests. Rashid also criticized the interim government for detaining journalists without due legal process, warning that such actions could erode public trust and invite future scrutiny.
Zina Tasreen echoed Md. Muktadir Rashid’s view on the lingering impact of media censorship under the Awami regime, acknowledging that while journalists were initially constrained, some eventually found space to exercise limited editorial freedom. Rashid, however, offered a more critical perspective, arguing that selective freedom does not equate to genuine press liberty. He noted that the government strategically allowed certain voices while silencing others, effectively maintaining control over the media narrative. Drawing from personal experience, he recalled periods of self-censorship and instances where he had to publish under pseudonyms to avoid repercussions. Rashid further revealed that reports on enforced disappearances and politically motivated communal framing were routinely suppressed, as the authorities sought to control how such issues were represented in the public eye.
Reflecting on her role during the July Uprising, journalist Zina Tasreen described her involvement as modest yet meaningful, shaped by both privilege and caution. As a member of a leading media house of the country, she stated that she maintained a low profile to avoid government scrutiny that could have jeopardized her ability to contribute to the movement. Tasreen identified the killing of martyr Abu Syed as a turning point, describing how his martyrdom ignited nationwide outrage and galvanized the youth. She highlighted the crucial but underappreciated role of private university students, who, after the incident, took to the streets and suffered the highest number of casualties. She also criticized the media for failing to adequately recognize their contributions, urging greater acknowledgment of the diverse groups—activists, students, and citizens—who mobilized across the country to sustain the movement.
Md. Muktadir Rashid downplayed the debate surrounding the so-called “mastermind” of the July Uprising, arguing that its roots lay not in individual leadership but in widespread discrimination that would have inevitably sparked public outrage. He emphasized the need to address the concerns of the educated urban middle class, describing them as the primary stakeholders whose unmet aspirations for dignity and economic stability continue to fuel social unrest. According to Rashid, if inequality and injustice persist, this group, along with the broader populace, will once again be compelled to mobilize. Rashid reaffirmed that the media’s fundamental role is to amplify these voices, uphold truth, and serve as a bridge between citizens and the state. Expressing disappointment, he criticized the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus for failing to set clear standards on human rights, press freedom, and governance, noting that it has been “consistently inconsistent” in fulfilling its promises. He concluded by underscoring the necessity of political leadership that is truly representative- of the people, by the people, and for the people.
Addressing the public’s waning trust in print media and the growing shift toward photo-card–based news outlets, journalist Zina Tasreen attributed the trend to the media’s own shortcomings. She argued that many outlets have failed to uphold their journalistic duty of delivering accurate, people-centered reporting, leading audiences to seek alternative sources. Tasreen urged the need of journalists to work towards rebuilding credibility through authenticity and accountability, emphasizing that only by prioritizing truth over self-interest can traditional media reclaim its role as a trusted source of information. Md. Muktadir Rashid, however, offered a contrasting perspective on the causes behind this shift.
Md. Muktadir Rashid offered a nuanced perspective on the revival of print media, arguing that each generation is shaped by the ideas and influences that surround it. He suggested that renewed parental engagement with newspapers could encourage younger readers to reconnect with print journalism. Rashid underscored the need for genuine media independence, noting that most outlets remain bound by ownership-driven agendas that compromise editorial freedom. He emphasized that independence should not mean unrestrained expression but a commitment to truth and public accountability. To combat the spread of misinformation, Rashid called for stronger digital literacy, a healthier information ecosystem, and a robust fact-checking infrastructure—one capable of holding even the highest offices of the state to account. He stressed that such measures are vital to empower the urban middle class, which he described as the key driving force of the July Movement, and to prevent future “information wars” like those seen in other South Asian nations.
During the discussion, journalist Zina Tasreen described the rise of new media platforms as a positive development, noting that it expands the circulation of ideas and information among the public, though she cautioned that this growth also brings challenges in maintaining content quality and credibility. She also acknowledged the relevance of politically aligned media outlets, arguing that such platforms allow political parties to communicate their narratives directly to the people. From the audience’s standpoint, she added, this diversity gives readers greater freedom to engage with the perspectives that resonate with them most. Tasreen emphasized, however, that journalistic integrity must be self-regulated, especially when state oversight falls short. She also linked the delay in signing the July Charter to what she described as a strategic move by Jamaat-e-Islami ahead of the February elections.
When asked about the balance between substance and quality, journalist Md. Muktadir Rashid argued that a newspaper endures only when it resonates with the public pulse. He noted that readers today seek diversity in media content and will consume stories that satisfy their curiosity, regardless of political alignment. According to Rashid, legacy media sustain their relevance by understanding audience needs, maintaining transparency, and upholding a tradition of authenticity and public interest journalism. He stressed the value of being pro-people, recalling journalists like Foysal Mahmud and Sam Jahan, who are remembered for standing on the right side of history and fulfilling their professional duty with integrity. Rashid also underscored the need for greater inclusivity in newsrooms and politics alike. Drawing a comparison between Jamaat-e-Islami and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), he argued that BNP’s policies tend to be more inclusive and considerate of the wider public. He concluded by expressing hope that the party most committed to national welfare and public interest will ultimately prevail in the upcoming election.
Both speakers concluded by reaffirming the need for an independent, objective, and pro-people media, one that champions inclusivity and fairness to build a more just and efficient Bangladesh, as witnessed during the July movement and ahead of the upcoming national election.