Diplomats Highlight Press Freedom, Accountability in Dhaka
Canadian and German envoys today underscored the essential role of free and independent journalism in ensuring accountability and democratic participation calling media freedom a cornerstone of both democracy and prosperity. Canadian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Ajit Singh, in his remarks, at the "Meet and Greet" with the Media Freedom Coalition at the Canada Club, said he deeply valued engaging with Bangladeshi journalists because of the immense challenges they face.
Recalling that last year's event had been one of his earliest engagements in Dhaka, he said his own background in journalism helped him appreciate the pressures confronting reporters. Journalism, he emphasized, remains indispensable to keeping societies open, informed and accountable. The envoy highlighted Canada's longstanding commitment to defending press freedom, noting that the Media Freedom Coalition-co-founded by Canada in 2019-now includes 51-member states.
The coalition works globally to protect journalists, uphold freedom of expression and hold accountable those who attempt to silence the press. Germany currently serves as one of its co-chairs. Touching on emerging challenges, the high commissioner warned that misinformation and disinformation have intensified worldwide and disproportionately affecting women and marginalized groups. With Bangladesh heading toward one of the world's largest elections this year, he said journalists will be critical to ensuring voters can exercise their democratic rights transparently and confidently. Citing Walter Cronkite, he concluded: "Freedom of the press is not just important to democracy - it is democracy."
German chargé d'affaires Anja Kersten also addressed the gathering, reaffirming that media freedom remains central to Germany's foreign policy. As global co-chair of the Media Freedom Coalition, Germany works with more than 50 countries to safeguard the rights of journalists and promote an enabling environment for independent media. She noted that Germany and Sweden jointly co-chair the coalition's local diplomatic network in Bangladesh, working closely with embassies, civil society and media organisations. Press freedom, she stressed, is not an abstract ideal, but an essential democratic precondition.
Highlighting recent political changes in Bangladesh, the German envoy said the country's transition since last year has reshaped the media landscape, opening space for broader public debate while also presenting new responsibilities for institutions and political actors. "A confident, professional and independent media sector is indispensable for peaceful and credible electoral processes," she added. Before concluding, she acknowledged the global 16 Days of Activism campaign, noting that many attendees wore orange in solidarity with efforts to end gender-based violence. Both envoys reiterated their continued commitment to supporting Bangladeshi journalists and defending media freedom nationwide. Executive Director of the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) Zillur Rahman also spoke on the occasion.
