On January 10, 2026, newly appointed BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman held his first official program—a meet-and-greet with journalists at the Hotel Sheraton in Banani, Dhaka. Editors and senior media executives from national newspapers, television, and online outlets attended the event to exchange greetings and share their expectations.
During the session, editors offered wide-ranging advice. Shafik Rehman of Jaijaidin urged Rahman to take firm action on financial governance, including oversight of Bangladesh Bank, curbing money laundering, and controlling commodity prices. Mahmudur Rahman of Amar Desh criticized the media’s past silence on journalist repression. Matiur Rahman Chowdhury of Manabzamin highlighted ongoing restrictions on press freedom and called for unity to face political challenges. Mahfuz Anam of The Daily Star emphasized climate change as Bangladesh’s greatest future challenge, urging political attention to environmental degradation. Hasan Hafiz of Kaler Kantho called for a journalist-friendly administration and warned against repeating past media manipulation.
The event gathered a broad spectrum of editors, senior journalists, and BNP leaders, marking Rahman’s first public engagement as party chairman.