Written by: Md. Mahidul Hasan Sarkar
Founder General Secretary, Bangladesh Central Press Club (B.C.P.C)

Journalism is one of the most valuable achievements in the history of human civilization. It is not merely about delivering news; rather, it is about guiding society, informing the nation with the truth, and helping the state stay on the right path. The pen of a true journalist enlightens ordinary people with justice, truth, and honesty. His responsibility is not limited to publishing news; it is also to bring forth the unseen suffering of people, the pain of the neglected, and the cries of the oppressed before society.

A true journalist is the voice of the people. He speaks on behalf of the masses, not the rulers. He stands against injustice and uses his pen against tyranny. His duty is to expose lies, irregularities, and corruption.

Sadly, journalism in our country sometimes gets colored with partisanship. When journalism is driven by closeness to power, political influence, or personal interests, its true purpose is lost. News becomes biased, truth disappears, and the trust of the people gradually breaks down.

Especially on August 5, 2024, during the mass uprising, this reality was made clear before our eyes. We witnessed that those who practiced journalism under the banner of political allegiance, who compromised with power and betrayed the people’s interest, ultimately could not escape the wrath of the masses. Some fled the country, some became accused in murder cases and ended up in prison, and many are still in hiding today.

This reality teaches us an undeniable truth — journalism can never survive under the shadow of partisanship. Losing the trust of the people means the death of journalism.

Journalism is not a profit-making business. It is an honorable profession. When a journalist picks up the pen, he does not merely write; he creates a weapon for social change. That pen must be truthful, impartial, and courageous. Greed for wealth, position, or power does not suit this profession.

The core principles of journalism are:

1. To tell the truth
2. To stand against injustice
3. To establish justice

Where lies are spread, the pen of a journalist must thunder with protest. Where people are deprived, oppressed, and exploited, the journalist’s duty is to be their voice.

The uprising of August 5 is not only a political history, it also left an unforgettable lesson in the history of journalism. Those who misused journalism under partisan shelter, who flattered the powerful while suppressing the truth, have now been disgraced before the people. Truth can never be hidden by force; history proves that no matter how much falsehood is imposed, one day the truth roars out.

The lesson is clear — if journalism is politicized, it cannot last. Without truth and impartiality, journalism cannot survive.

To become a true journalist, some fundamental qualities are required:

1. Impartiality: No bias toward any party, group, or individual; always standing for the truth.
2. Courage: Protesting against injustice even at the risk of life, and fearlessly exposing the truth to the people.
3. Integrity: Rejecting bribes, temptations, and personal interests, and writing only for justice.
4. Patriotism: Journalism is not just about delivering news, but guiding the nation in the right direction. A true journalist places the welfare of the nation and its people above everything.

When journalism falls into the trap of partisanship, news becomes distorted, one-sided, and incomplete. The people lose trust in the media. The media then becomes a tool of propaganda rather than a mirror of truth.

This diminishes the dignity of journalism, misleads society, and drives the nation in the wrong direction. In the long run, the impact is disastrous. Journalists themselves become insecure, lose their independence, and turn into symbols of distrust in the eyes of the people.

For today’s young journalists, the greatest lesson is this — journalism can never be confined under political banners. Its ultimate goal must be the welfare of the nation. Truth, justice, and fearless writing must be embraced as the greatest strength.

History remembers only those journalists who write with courage and impartiality for the people. Those who surrender to partisanship, temptation, or fear have no place in history.

Journalism is not just about criticism. It is about carrying the message of change, showing the path of progress, and inspiring hope among people. A true journalist is a teacher of society, a guide, and a torchbearer.

If journalism is done with love, it becomes an inspiration for the people. If it is done with impartiality, it becomes the strength of the nation. And if it is done with courage, it becomes an unbreakable shield against injustice.

Journalism is not for any party, group, or individual; it is for the entire nation. The journalist who does not learn from past mistakes will be punished by the present. But the one who holds firmly to the truth remains immortal in the pages of history.

My expectation is that every journalist in Bangladesh will be impartial, honest, and courageous. Let the pen become a force of love, truth, and people’s power.

Because — journalism is not for partisanship, it is for the truth. A true journalist will be the voice of the nation and its people.