Prof Salimullah Khan has warned that "fascism" exists in various forms and ways even after the fall of the Awami League government.

"Fascism is being reproduced daily. Fascism is all around us, but we must remain vigilant," he said, speaking at a session titled "Predatory Journalism in the Age of Fascism” at the RC Majumdar Auditorium of Dhaka University on Friday.

"Those targeted by predatory journalism are direct victims. However, everyone is an indirect prey. Essentially, by victimising these individuals, others are taught not to step out of line."

Referring to the late national professor Anisuzzaman, thinker and researcher Prof Khan said: "Fascism was not only created by two daily newspapers. The editors of these newspapers, who are educators, are the primary architects of fascism. Professor Anisuzzaman denies our struggle during the entire British period by asserting that our Liberation War had no connection before 1952."

He said, "Universities are behind journalism. Universities, radio, television, newspapers—all are political efforts to sway public opinion. The role played by the Dhaka University Teachers' Association in the past also needs criticism and to be brought to justice."

In 1957, on the centenary of the Sepoy Mutiny, all newspapers published special supplements, but in 2007, on the 150th anniversary, the newspapers “wrote nothing significant,” remarked Prof Khan.

"In Kapasia of Gazipur, the name of the bridge named after Fakir Majnu Shah has been erased. Therefore, unless fascism is recognised in its everyday forms, it cannot be eradicated."

At the discussion, the main paper was presented by Prof A Al Mamun from the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Rajshahi University.

He said, "Events such as the harassment surrounding the private life of Hifazat-e Islam leader Mamunul Haque, Sayem Sobhan Anvir's [alleged] involvement in the Munia murder in Gulshan, the midnight raid on [actor] Pori Moni's residence by RAB broadcast live on television, and the 'Freedom of Fish and Meat' photo card by Prothom Alo on Independence Day are prime examples of predatory journalism."

Prof Mamun said, "Because of anti-Indian sentiment and not listening to Sheikh Hasina, Mamunul Haque's private phone conversations were leaked and his character was assassinated in the media; Munia and her sister were portrayed as greedy; and Pori Moni was presented in an ugly manner.

"In each case, a part of the media has taken on a predatory role. This allows for the immediate delegitimisation and criminalisation of individuals or institutions, where the media, intelligence agencies, and part of the government work together."

The special guest at the event, Mamun Ahmed, pro-vice chancellor (education) of Dhaka University, said: "In 2018, during the quota movement, my simple phone call with [acting BNP chairman] Tarique Rahman was leaked and shown on almost every television channel and discussed in talk shows as if I had committed a major crime.

"I do not know if it is lawful to broadcast someone's private phone conversation. However, I hope the situation will change now," he added.

The event, organised by the Press Institute of Bangladesh, or PIB, featured Dhaka University's Vice-Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan as chief guest.

He said, "This type of journalism can be called the political economy of criminalised journalism. Everyone understands its terrible consequences. Therefore, everyone must remain vigilant from their respective positions."

PIB Director General Faruk Wasif chaired the meeting where Associate Professor Md Khorshed Alam from the Department of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University also spoke.