The Daily Star means 35 years of fearless journalism: Shakib Khan

Dhallywood’s ace star Shakib Khan spoke about The Daily Star on the occasion of the newspaper’s 35-year journey. He praised the role the newspaper has played over the years in the country’s art, culture, and cinema.
Shakib Khan said, “The journey of a nation is not defined only by development statistics or political events, it is defined by its thinking, values, and moral position. These values are shaped by voices that are not afraid to speak the truth, that question social injustice, and that teach people to think. Responsible journalism, therefore, is not just about delivering news, it is a record of time, the conscience of the state, and a commitment to the future. For more than three decades, The Daily Star has consistently worked as a fearless and dignified voice in Bangladesh’s media landscape. Times have changed, technology has changed, and challenges have changed but the commitment to truth, professionalism, and ethical values has remained strong. This long journey is not just the success story of a newspaper; it is proof of a society becoming more thoughtful.”
He also shared, “As a cultural worker of Bangladesh and as a citizen of this country, I believe that the main responsibility of the media is to stand up to power and speak the truth, and to present the voices of ordinary people. Whether it is politics, the economy, or state decisions, the media should take an informed, balanced, and courageous position. Because a conscious society is built only when people can think and make decisions based on reliable information.
At the same time, I believe that the importance of culture and the arts in journalism should never be treated as secondary. A country’s art, literature, cinema, and music are expressions of its soul. For many years, Bangladesh’s films, dramas, music, and creative practices have been highlighted with importance here, which has played a major role in preserving our culture.

Image

The new possibilities that Bangladeshi cinema is moving toward today are not only because of production or market factors. Behind this progress are opportunities for bold storytelling, constructive criticism, and a space for thoughtful discussion. When the media talks not only about the success of cinema but also about its limitations, responsibilities, and future, an industry becomes sustainable. This kind of responsible practice has helped our films gain recognition on an international level.
As a cultural worker, I believe that cinema is not just entertainment. It reflects people’s emotions, dreams, struggles, and the spirit of the time. Respecting a country’s cinema means respecting its people and culture. With this understanding, The Daily Star has stood by art and culture for a long time, which has been a source of inspiration for us.
I also believe that in a healthy and democratic society, the media should give equal importance to society, human rights, and culture, alongside politics and economics. Without culture, development becomes one-sided, and without humanity, national progress remains incomplete. Maintaining this balance is the greatest strength of responsible journalism.

Read more

Xefer Rahman and Rafsan Sabab tie the knot