The Reasons Behind the Loss of Dignity and Status of Genuine Journalists.

M. Badal Khandakar (Brahmanbaria District Correspondent) There was a time when journalism was a noble tool for changing society. The pen was the most powerful weapon of protest. Standing for the truth meant fearless, investigative, and responsible journalism. But today's reality is so different that it feels like we are standing on the stage of a terrible tragedy. The ink of the pen has been erased, and its place has been taken by YouTube subscribers, TikTok followers, and the 'drama' of Facebook Live! It appears that the face of journalism is now like mango juice wrapped in polythene - shiny on the outside, but the smell immediately reveals the fake. No one even seems to understand the definition of a journalist anymore. Whoever has a camera in hand and a card around their neck - that's a journalist! If someone says, 'I am from the media,' they get special privileges! Police stop, traffic police salute, and villagers address them respectfully as 'Sir.' These days, a person sells shoes in the morning, barges into a wedding ceremony in the afternoon shouting 'Live is on!' and at night shares news on Facebook with the title 'District Correspondent' or 'Upazila Correspondent.' The one who worked in a tea shop until yesterday now has a colorful press card hanging from their pocket. Who made it? How did they get it? No one has the courage to ask! On this stage in the name of journalism, many are now acting in a role backed by extortion, factionalism, blackmailing, strong political influence, and the seeds of a corrupt culture. Wherever you look across the country, you see so-called 'media offices.' Next to tea shops, beauty parlors, and mobile servicing centers hang banners that read: 'Office of the Crime Reporter, District-Upazila Correspondent: Mr. So-and-so!' Who appointed them? Which newspaper do they work for? There are no answers to these, and there’s no need for any either. All that’s needed is a card, a camera, and some loud, grammatically incorrect, jumbled speech!! And the source of these cards? A certain group of so-called 'media owners.' For them, journalism is a business, not an honor. They sell press cards like Eid offers - 'Take a package, get a post!' The more money you pay, the bigger the post - Investigative Chief Reporter, Special Correspondent, Chief Editor, even President of News. Spelling mistakes don’t matter, because no one even checks the spelling on the card! Criminals are also now wearing the mask of journalists whenever they want. So the question arises: how does a murder accused become a 'Chief Reporter'? How does an extortionist become an 'Investigative Reporter' on Facebook overnight and walk in and out of police stations day and night? Some media owners know this, see this, and yet remain silent! Because they too are beneficiaries of it! Real journalists are none of these. Journalism is a noble profession. It is not just a job; through this service, a journalist can serve the people. Some dishonest editors and journalists in the country are damaging the reputation of this profession by selling journalist identity cards in exchange for money to people involved in various crimes across the country. They are not journalists in any way. They should be called 'journalist impersonators.' That is the problem here. In this country, there is ample opportunity to use the identity of 'journalist' indiscriminately. Most importantly, in Bangladesh, there is no specific educational qualification required to become a journalist. Anyone can suddenly become a journalist. No, educational qualification is not a factor here either! This country does have many well-educated and quality journalists and columnists who, with their sharp and insightful writing, beautifully highlight many irregularities in society and make us socially conscious on a regular basis. Mixed in with those few respectable journalists are some 'journalist impersonators' (disguised ones) - the scum of the gutter; and in fact, they are now in the majority. This pseudo-journalism has increased alarmingly lately. The creation of pseudo-journalists is a form of abuse against journalism. We want journalism to return to its former honest and fearless form. It goes without saying that those who are creating these pseudo-journalists are doing so with the aim of discrediting newspapers and the noble profession of journalism. This could even be part of some far-reaching conspiracy. These conspirators must be identified. They must be resisted. Otherwise, this great profession will suffer irreparable damage. Nowadays, while working in the field, we often hear many negative comments about this profession. This article is about the profiteers, yellow journalists, and pseudo-journalists who, in recent times, have tainted this great profession and have started a 'journalism business' with an unprofessional attitude. Newspapers and journalists must break free from their grip. As it is, the door to free journalism is already closing due to lack of security. This cannot go on. It must not be allowed to continue. In this reality, there is only one question: who will bring back true journalism? The Ministry of Information? The Press Council? Or the readers, who say nothing but still wait in their hearts for truth and dignity? So the time has come to redefine journalism. The time has come to say: Journalism is not in a card, it is in character. Not in a media office, but in public trust. Let us stand beside those journalists who still silently and courageously write for the truth. Those whose pens still have the courage to light a lamp in the darkness. And those who, despite all adversities, still stand straight for the truth with tremendous courage and can speak, write, and protest strongly even in hostile environments. Salute to all those brave journalists today.