Speaker of Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Hafiz Uddin Ahmad has said journalists play a vital bridging role as a bridge between the people and the parliament, and that both the media and the legislature must work together to strengthen democracy and advance national development.

He made the remarks while exchanging views with members of the executive committee of Bangladesh Parliament Journalists Association (BPJA) at the Speaker’s Conference Room in the Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban on Thursday, said a press release.

The BPJA delegation, led by its President Harun Jamil and General Secretary Shawkat Ali Khan Litho, included Joint General Secretary Mizanur Rahman, Office Secretary Nazmul Islam (Tanim Ahmed), and executive committee members Mashiur Rahman, Monirul Islam, Habibur Rahman Panchayet, among others.

Senior officials of the Parliament Secretariat were also present.

The speaker said that public expectations from the current parliament are very high. He noted that due to long-standing mismanagement and decline in standards in various sectors, many state institutions have been weakened.

The current parliament has been established through significant sacrifice, struggle, and loss of life, and therefore, it must play an effective role in meeting public expectations, he said.

Stressing that parliament must maintain close engagement with the people, he said journalists have an important responsibility in developing people-oriented politics and fulfilling public aspirations.

On press freedom, the speaker observed that past political decisions had negatively affected the media sector and its impacts still persist. However, he said, the media in Bangladesh now enjoys greater freedom to operate.

Referring to the post-independence aspirations of Bangladesh, he said that many of the hopes the people had in 1971 have been eroded over time.

He alleged that incidents of enforced disappearance, repression, corruption, and economic plundering had taken place in the past, which contradicted public expectations.

Hafiz added that the unity of the people – especially students, youth, and the general public – has created momentum for change. However, he cautioned that if the current parliament fails to meet public expectations, it could lead to public disappointment.

The speaker emphasised that national interest must remain above all else. He expressed hope that both the ruling and opposition parties would play responsible roles to make Parliament more effective and dynamic. He said the opposition’s role is to make constructive criticisms, while the ruling party must ensure the smooth functioning of parliamentary proceedings.

Regarding the role of the media, he said journalists should present facts as they are and ensure that truth is distinguished from falsehood. Constructive media scrutiny can help make parliament more effective and accountable, he added.

During the meeting, BPJA leaders highlighted various problems and limitations faced by journalists in parliament reporting. The speaker assured that necessary steps would be taken to address these issues.

The meeting also discussed enhancing mutual cooperation between the parliament and the media, simplifying information flow, and improving coverage and dissemination of parliamentary activities.