"Local journalists work with much greater risk compared to national-level journalists." — Dr. Imran Ansari

Daily Bijoy News, Comilla correspondent:

Eminent journalist and international analyst Dr. Imran Ansari said, "A martyr Hadi has become several times more powerful than a living Hadi." He said, just a few days ago, Hadi alone was speaking against hegemony and injustice, but today, centering on his death, people across the country have risen up against that hegemony. He made these remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting organized by the Burichong Press Club on Friday (December 19) afternoon.

Dr. Imran Ansari said that journalists work taking much greater risks at the local level compared to the national level. They receive very little remuneration, often none at all; yet they are the most neglected. He further stated that journalists play an immeasurable role in building a strong civil society. The responsibility of journalists is to protect the country's sovereignty, reveal the truth, and play a leading role in building society. He said, "The media and democracy are like railway tracks—the state progresses on the right path only when both run together. If either one is weak, the state inevitably falls into crisis."

Dr. Imran Ansari also said that in some cases, a lack of information in news dissemination creates confusion and chaos in society. For this reason, he called upon journalists to be more responsible, aware, and professional. At the same time, he urged journalists to always stand by the weak and oppressed people. In his speech, he demanded the immediate arrest of those involved in the killing of journalist Hadi and ensuring the maximum punishment under the law. He also strongly condemned the attacks on various media offices centering on Hadi's death, saying, "Using mobs to silence the media is a sign of a sick and dangerous society."

It is worth mentioning that Dr. Imran Ansari lived in the United States for 13 long years. There, he authored several essays and books on the nature of fascism and oppressive state systems. Recently returning to the country, he is again playing an active role in favor of democracy and independent journalism.

The discussion meeting, presided over by Burichong Press Club President Kazi Khorshed Alam and conducted by General Secretary Zahirul Haque Babu, also featured speeches by Senior Vice-President Gazi Jahangir Alam Jabir, Assistant Organizing Secretary Akkas Al Mahmud Hridoy, Publicity Secretary Md. Shariful Islam Sumon, Office Secretary Md. Safi, Information and Technology Secretary Abdullah, Hospitality and Sports Secretary Md. Foyez, Science, Literature, and Publications Secretary Almgir Hossain Bachchu Mollah, and members Md. Tajul Islam, Md. Kibria, and Pias.

Daily Bijoy News / Md. Abdullah