Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon has stressed the need for establishing a strong institutional framework for the media.
“The government is ready to provide policy support to institutionalise the media and protect the interests of all stakeholders associated with newspapers,” he said at a discussion marking the 43rd founding anniversary of Bangla daily Dainik Janata at the Jatiya Press Club.
Syed M Altaf Hossain, chairman of the editorial board of Dainik Janata, chaired the discussion, moderated by its editor Obaidur Rahman Shahin.
Bangladesh Press Council Chairman Justice AKM Abdul Hakim attended the event as special guest. Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) President Shahidul Islam, DUJ General Secretary Khurshid Alam, Photojournalists Association President Mohsin Hossain and former president Bulbul Ahmed were also present.
Swapon said the government would provide policy support to help newspaper owners invest in the sector safely and ensure sustainable returns on their investments.
He also reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests of all those involved in the media industry, including editors, journalists and printing press workers.
The adviser said the primary responsibility of journalism is to question those in power, while a democratic and elected government considers such scrutiny an asset.
“The more questions are raised, the more the government can explain its actions and demonstrate accountability and responsibility to the people,” he said.
Swapon urged everyone to remain cautious so that supporters of the previous “fascist regime” cannot misuse opportunities in the name of constructive criticism.
Speaking about the ongoing electricity and energy crisis, he said the country was facing a fragile economic situation due to the previous government’s 17 years of misguided energy policies, unplanned projects and widespread corruption.
He said the government was working sincerely to overcome the challenges it inherited.
