Media Conclave 2026 Inaugurated in Dhaka

Media professionals from across the country gathered in the capital on Saturday as the Media Conclave 2026 was inaugurated, voicing serious concern over rising threats to press freedom and democratic norms in Bangladesh.

The conclave began in the morning at the Krishibid Institution Bangladesh (KIB) auditorium in Dhaka. It is jointly organised by the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) and the Editors’ Council, and is scheduled to run from 10:00am to 1:30pm.

Editors’ Council President Nurul Kabir formally inaugurated the conclave with a welcome address, highlighting what he described as increasing organised violence and unprecedented attacks on freedom of expression. He stressed that unity among journalists, editors and media owners is essential to uphold courageous, responsible and independent journalism in the current environment.

According to the organisers, Bangladesh has recently experienced growing pressure on democratic values, with journalists facing intimidation, safety risks and professional challenges. Against this backdrop, the conclave aims to create a unified platform for media stakeholders to collectively speak out against these threats and demand effective safeguards for press freedom.

Participants are expected to raise key issues including journalists’ safety, protection of professional dignity and rights, and the preservation of an independent and democratic media environment. Editors, columnists and senior media figures are sharing perspectives on the critical role of the press in safeguarding democracy amid the country’s evolving political context.

Leaders and representatives from major journalist and media organisations—including the Association of Television Channel Owners, Broadcast Journalist Center, National Press Club, Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, Dhaka Journalists Union, Dhaka Reporters Unity, Diplomatic Correspondents Association, Economic Reporters Forum, Photojournalists Association and Crime Reporters Association—are attending the conclave.

Journalists from outside Dhaka, along with editors and publishers from various media outlets, have also joined the gathering, which organisers described as a significant collective effort to defend media freedom and democratic values in Bangladesh.