Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Tuesday assured that the environment of gagging media no longer exists in the country, noting that the freedom of the press – once stripped away – has been restored.
Speaking at an exchange of views with BNP beat journalists at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre, the prime minister emphasised that while the voice of the media was once completely stifled, that era has ended.
He stressed that his government cannot work in isolation and requested active cooperation from the media to help identify right from wrong.
‘Newspaper Black Day’
Reflecting on the historical context of 16 June, Tarique reminded the audience that the date is observed as “Newspaper Black Day” in Bangladesh. He recalled that on this day in 1975, the then Bakshal government cancelled the declarations of all but four state-run newspapers to silence the media.
“Today is a significant day for the world of journalism in Bangladesh,” Tarique said. He credited the then president Ziaur Rahman for restoring multi-party democracy and lifting the restrictions previously imposed on the press after taking charge of the country.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who assumed office on 17 February, also called for a fundamental shift in the national mindset.
“We must move away from the mindset of taking revenge,” he stated, urging a focus on what can be achieved for the country, society, and the people. He remarked that while success is not always guaranteed, the effort to move forward with a positive mindset is essential.
Youth and social values
Tarique expressed concern over the challenges facing the younger generation, particularly the rise of drug addiction and the lack of recreational spaces.
He pointed out that with playgrounds disappearing in Dhaka and elsewhere, many youths are spending their time on social media without always understanding the consequences.
Tarique suggested that social and religious values must be prioritised starting from the school level to keep children on the “right track.” “We must save our environment and our future generation… through education, culture, and sports,” he added.
Government-media synergy
Concluding the session, Tarique appealed to journalists for their professional support. “If you help me, it will be much easier to perform my tasks,” he said, adding that media feedback is a vital tool for the government to evaluate its own performance.
The event was moderated by Deputy Press Secretary Zahidul Islam Rony. It was attended by Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, State Minister Yaser Khan Chowdhury, and Prime Minister’s Adviser Mahdi Amin.
Also present were Press Secretary Saleh Shibli, Speechwriter SAM Mahfuzur Rahman, Additional Press Secretary Atiqur Rahman Rumon, and Deputy Press Secretaries Hasan Shiplu, Sujauddoula Sujon, and Shahadat Hossain Swadhin.
