Faiz Ahmed, the senior assistant press secretary to the chief advisor of the interim government, reassured the media on February 12 that under the interim government, journalists would be able to work freely without any influence or restrictions. He emphasized that over the past six months, the interim government has not exerted any pressure on the media, refrained from obstructing any news coverage, and will continue to maintain this stance in the future.

Faiz Ahmed was speaking at a discussion and cultural event organized on the occasion of the 6th anniversary of the Poet Nazrul Government College Journalists’ Association, held at the college auditorium. He addressed the gathering as the chief guest, where he shared the interim government’s position on media freedom and its approach to journalism.

He highlighted that despite challenges faced by journalists over the past 16-17 years, during which they struggled to report objectively, the current government has ensured a free and independent media environment. Faiz stated that during the last six months, no government agency or authority has forced the media to avoid or promote any particular story. He emphasized that under the current government, no restrictions would be imposed on journalism.

Faiz Ahmed also addressed the role of journalists in fostering an environment that encouraged authoritarianism in the past. He suggested that the media’s failure to question the government’s actions and instead often praising the leadership contributed to the rise of autocracy. According to him, this silence from the media allowed the government to become more authoritarian, a development that affected all sectors of society, including the student community.

The event, presided over by Shahin Ahmed, the convener of the Poet Nazrul Government College Journalists' Association, also featured prominent speakers such as Ali Azam, Main Uddin Arif, and Zayed Hossain Mishu, who served as discussion panelists.

The program was inaugurated by the principal of Poet Nazrul College, Mohammad Habibur Rahman, with the assistance of the association’s member-secretary, Shrabani Kabir Amy, and joint convener Atique Hasan Shuvo, who also coordinated the event.

Among the special guests were Vice-Principal Muhammad Haidar Mia, Irfan Ahmed Fahim, convener of the Poet Nazrul College Chhatra Dal, Bayezid Mahmood, president of Chhatra Shibir, and Dewan Mohammad Tajim, president of the Islami Chhatra Andolon. Mehdi Hasan, co-coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, was also present at the event.

In addition, several former and current members of the Poet Nazrul College Journalists' Association attended the program, including former convener Imran Hossain, former general secretary Sajad Hossain, former finance secretary Baizid Hossain, and former office, publicity, and publication secretary Shitangshu Bhoumik Ankur. Other notable attendees included members of various student organizations, such as the Dhaka District Chhatra Dal and the Students’ Rights Committee.

The event concluded with a commitment to continue advocating for press freedom and ensuring that media professionals can carry out their responsibilities without fear or external interference.