EDITORIAL : THE DAILY STAR, BANGLADESH

 

Our pledges

In to the 21st year

Our constant strivings over the last two decades have been for fair-minded, decent, constructive and ethical journalism. We have never flinched from the overarching values of journalism nor we ever shall. Modestly but firmly we have adhered to norms of ethical journalism demanding good governance, responsible opposition, efficient and impartial service delivery, rule of law and environment protection. We have also upheld just causes, such as gender equality, minority rights bridging rich-poor gap and inclusive egalitarian social order.

With the help of our readers and patrons we can quite see we have reached a threshold. From here, as we reaffirm our commitment to principled journalism, the demands of technology egg us on to innovate and outgrow our present selves. Let creativity reshape the paper to bring it at par with international print journalism, of which South Asia is the most thriving face.

Our fresh vows are to seek greater freedom of expression and removal of all fetters on individuals and democratic institutions. In particular, our relentless campaign will be against corruption and abuse of power. No corrupt individual or functionary who indulges in abuse of power and trample dignity of human person will ever find a friend in us. Uncompromising in our call of duty, and with steely determination, we ring out the message that no intimidation will work with us.

We have to say while the benefits of free press are well understood by the people, these are yet to be grasped by the power that be. The latter somehow missing on the potent efficacy of newspaper as an independent feedback mechanism, and a bridgehead for linking the government and the governed tends to think of media as an adversary. This is as unfortunate as it is tragic. Free, responsible and constructive expression of opinion and coverage of news are the staple of journalism. A democratic government can only be expected to regard independent journalism as a positive agent for change to benefit by.

As for us in The Daily Star on our 20th anniversary, we pledge to our readers, greater in-depth reporting, more investigative stories, more features on our everyday life, and making greater effort to reflect the concern and interest of the ordinary people. In terms of technology we plan to bring in most modern, and utilise the latest marketing tools to reach even greater numbers of homes and readers. Above all, we pledge honesty, fearlessness and objectivity in our work.

Students on rampage

Why resort to violence?

The students of Dhaka University on Tuesday went on a rampage after traffic police stopped the bus carrying the students which dodged traffic signal. In the ensuing clashes, between a section of DU students and on-duty cops at Russel Square in the city at least ten people were hurt.

If the bus had actually violated the signal at an important intersection that was an offence on the part of its driver. And if the on-duty traffic policeman blocked the bus for the wrong doing he was carrying out his duty. How violence could crop there? We just fail to understand.

The students allegedly attacking the policemen were joined by students onboard another DU bus which was then passing the intersection. However, the Dhaka University proctor claimed that the bus hurried to cross the signal as many students were going to take exams. A policeman is also alleged to have passed indecent remarks prompting the clashes.

The fallout was traffic jam in all adjacent roads including the Mirpur road causing unnecessary suffering to people who were holed up in their vehicles for more than an hour. Students set afire a police motor bike and bashed several vehicles.

The situation could have been avoided if the students' allowed the cops to do their duty in first place. As educated people it was unbecoming of them to have reacted the way they did.

While the police should show more restraint, the students should also create good instances by negotiating such situations in a civil manner, realising that their unruly behaviour causes hardship to other people. It also lowers their image.