BNP Vice Chairman Barkat Ullah Bulbul said Sheikh Hasina’s fall occurred because of Awami journalists and intellectuals, while urging reporters to uphold objective journalism. He made the remarks on 3 August as chief guest after a friendly football match organized by the Noakhali Journalists Union at a football turf field in Ekhlaspur union of Begumganj, Noakhali.

Bulbul described journalists as the conscience of the nation, saying they have no political party and should expose social inconsistencies for public welfare. He said journalists’ responsibilities have increased in the new reality following the country’s political change, and that truthful, objective reporting is needed to meet public expectations.

He said independent journalism is highly important in any democratic state and that reporters should not take sides with an individual or political party. He called on journalists, intellectuals, businesspeople and all other groups to place the country’s interests first. The friendly match was held in a festive atmosphere, with Noakhali Journalists Union members, district BNP leaders and sports figures among those present.