BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasized the importance of respecting differing opinions and ensuring freedom of expression as Bangladesh approaches its upcoming national election, expected in February. Speaking at the biennial conference of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) in Dhaka, Fakhrul said the nation is eager to return to a democratic system through the polls. He criticized the current political culture where dissenters are often treated as enemies and subjected to misinformation campaigns. Fakhrul also urged journalists to remain independent and focus on their professional responsibilities rather than aligning with political parties. He accused the government of systematically undermining media freedom over the past 15 years. The conference was attended by representatives from 18 affiliated journalist unions across the country, with discussions focusing on organizational and professional issues within the media sector.