Matiur Rahman said, “During this time, not only Prothom Alo but the entire media had to operate under severe pressure. In some cases, it was extreme.”

He mentioned direct interference by various intelligence agencies, including the DGFI (Directorate General of Forces Intelligence), as well as attempts to change ownership, replace editors, and transfer shares.
Matiur Rahman said that if the BNP comes to power in the future, ensuring press freedom alone will not be enough; the biggest responsibility will be to create an environment of national unity and reconciliation. No country can move forward with such a deeply divided society.

Emphasising that a government genuinely committed to democracy must listen to criticism from the press, Matiur Rahman said, “They should listen and understand—whether they accept it or not is the government’s decision. But if they do not listen, mistakes will inevitably be repeated.”

Editors from various media outlets, senior journalists, media personalities, and senior BNP leaders were present at the meeting.