Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has called for research on the media's role during the July mass uprising.

"We know the role media played under Sheikh Hasina's fascist regime over the past 15 years. However, research is necessary to understand how media influenced law enforcement agencies to open fire on young protesters during the movement," Shafiqul said at a discussion today.

The event, titled "The Role of Media in the July Massacre: Accountability and Reforms," was organised by "We Want Fascism-Free Media" at the National Press Club. The session was presided over by journalist Zainal Abedin Shishir, convener of the movement, and moderated by spokesperson Plabon Tariq.

Shafiqul Alam criticised the authoritarian government's media policies, saying they were designed to control rather than ensure freedom. He emphasised the need to reform these policies to create an independent media landscape.

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"After the disappearance of Ilias Ali, it's vital to examine how many media outlets reported the news and who criticised it. Similarly, we must analyse which media justified the 2014, 2018, and 2024 elections," he said.

Syed Abdal Ahmed, executive editor of Daily Amar Desh, highlighted historical suppression of the media, saying, "During Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's tenure, all but four newspapers were shut down, leaving countless journalists unemployed. Sheikh Hasina's regime mirrored such fascism by enforcing media narratives favourable to the government."

Speakers at the discussion called for justice for crimes against journalists, including the unresolved murders of Sagar-Runi and the torture of Amar Desh editor Mahmudur Rahman.

They also criticised the media's collective failure to oppose injustices against journalists. To ensure accountability and fairness, the discussants proposed the formation of a media commission tasked with overseeing ethical practices, protecting journalists' rights, and ensuring transparency in ownership and funding.