Bangladesh is at a critical juncture following the departure of the Awami League from power. The fall of the long-standing government has opened the door to potential democratic reforms, but it has also placed a significant responsibility on journalists to navigate this transition carefully. As the nation stands at this crossroads, the role of journalists becomes crucial in shaping a stable and transparent democratic framework._x000D_ _x000D_ The end of the Awami League’s decade-and-a-half rule has exposed deep-rooted political tensions and underscored the fragility of Bangladesh's democratic institutions. According to Hanitzsch and Vos (2018), journalism has traditionally been examined through a Western-centric lens, focusing primarily on its role in supporting democratic processes. However, this perspective does not fully capture the complexities journalists face in transitional societies like Bangladesh._x000D_ _x000D_ In this new political landscape, journalists in Bangladesh must adopt a broader set of responsibilities that address both political and everyday concerns of the people. Hanitzsch and Vos outline six essential functions of journalism in political life: informational-instructive, analytical-deliberative, critical-monitorial, advocative-radical, developmental-educative, and collaborative-facilitative. To promote democracy effectively, journalists must go beyond merely reporting facts. They need to provide critical analysis, advocate for political and social reforms, and facilitate meaningful dialogue across various societal groups._x000D_ _x000D_ During this transitional phase, watchdog journalism will play a critical role. The ‘critical-monitorial' function, which involves holding authorities accountable and scrutinizing their actions, will be essential in preventing abuses of power and ensuring transparency in governance.

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