State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury has said the government is not interfering in press freedom and is allowing the media to function independently.
He made the remarks on Friday while speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the new office of the Chattogram Metropolitan Journalists Union (CMJU) on the second floor of the Chattogram Press Club at 10:30am.
The state minister said journalists play a crucial role in establishing and sustaining democracy, adding that no mass movement can succeed without objective reporting.
He described journalism as a noble profession that contributes significantly to society and state-building.
He further noted that audiences tend to accept news more readily when objectivity is maintained in reporting.
Referring to the current government as a “government of the people,” he said the BNP has historically supported journalists whenever it has been in power and has taken various journalist-friendly initiatives.
He added that the party has never engaged in interference or intimidation against the media and would not do so in the future.
The state minister said the government is working to combat misinformation, disinformation and the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI).
He said measures are being taken to prevent character assassination through AI and to raise awareness among journalists about both the positive and negative aspects of the technology.
In this regard, the Department of Mass Communication will arrange three-day training programmes at district and upazila levels.
He also said the Journalist Welfare Trust is continuing to support journalists in distress and efforts are underway to increase its budget.
He urged media owners to clear outstanding salaries of journalists promptly.
State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin said the media is often regarded as the “people’s parliament.” He also highlighted the housing problems faced by journalists.
The programme was presided over by CMJU President Mohammad Shahnewaz and conducted by General Secretary Saleh Noman.
Among others, lawmaker Abu Sufian, BFUJ Acting President Obaidul Haque Shahin, Chattogram Press Club President Jahidul Karim Kachi, General Secretary Golam Mawla Murad, and local journalist leaders addressed the event.
Speakers referred to pressures on the media over the past one and a half decades and called for ensuring an environment for fearless journalism in the future.
The event began with the formal inauguration of the CMJU office through ribbon cutting. The union also announced lifetime honorary memberships for both state ministers.
