Journalism in Bangladesh today stands at a difficult crossroads. Newspapers, television channels, online portals, and even journalists’ associations appear divided by an invisible political line. In some places, journalists aligned with the BNP dominate; elsewhere, those loyal to the Awami League hold sway.
With every change in government, the centres of power also shift, and along with them change the positions, privileges, and influence of journalists. As a result, journalism as a profession is increasingly being overshadowed by partisan identity.
There was a time when journalism was regarded as a noble profession dedicated to uncovering truth, safeguarding public interest, and ensuring accountability of those in power. Today, however, many journalists are identified not by their professional competence but by their political affiliations.
Journalists’ organisations, too, have become fragmented along party lines rather than united around professional or ideological principles. Political influence is clearly visible in the elections of press clubs and journalist associations. Consequently, unity, professional dignity, and the independence of journalists are being seriously undermined.
This reality is dangerous not only for journalists but also for society and the state as a whole. When journalism becomes a tool for partisan interests, truth is concealed, facts are distorted, and the public is deprived of impartial news. If a journalist receives opportunities solely because of political loyalty while another is deprived despite professional merit, then both ethics and competence lose their value.
The culture of journalists’ fortunes rising and falling with political change is not new in Bangladesh. Journalists close to the ruling party gain prominence, while those perceived to hold opposing views often become marginalised.
Some lose their jobs, some face harassment, while others are socially and professionally isolated. This creates a sense of insecurity within the profession, leading many journalists to value political patronage more than professional integrity.
Such a culture is contaminating journalism itself. Trust and solidarity within the profession are shrinking. When journalists begin to see one another not as colleagues but as political adversaries, the very spirit of journalism is destroyed. Media professionals then cease to be the voice of the people and instead become extensions of political camps.
To overcome this crisis, Bangladesh needs to cultivate a strong culture of professionalism in journalism. Journalists must first and foremost see themselves as journalists, not as representatives of political parties. Personal political beliefs may exist, but they should never interfere with professional responsibilities. Truth, neutrality, objectivity, and ethics must remain the core principles of news reporting.
Journalists’ organisations must also free themselves from partisan influence. Their primary role should be to protect journalists’ rights, provide training, improve professional standards, and safeguard press freedom. Likewise, media owners must move away from the culture of recruitment and promotion based on political loyalty.
The state and society must also recognise that partisan journalism ultimately weakens democracy itself. A healthy democracy cannot survive without an independent, impartial, and professional media. The duty of journalists is not to act as propagandists for political parties, but to present the truth in the interest of the people.
Journalism in Bangladesh today stands at a defining moment. Unless the profession is rebuilt on the foundations of professionalism, ethics, and independence beyond partisan divisions, public trust in the media will continue to erode. Journalism will then cease to function as an institution serving the public interest and instead become merely another instrument of political power struggles.
The time has, therefore, come for deep self-reflection. Journalists themselves must decide whether they wish to become political cadres or professional journalists who stand for truth and the people.
