Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on journalists to remain united to protect their rights and ensure media freedom in the new Bangladesh.
“Responsible and objective journalism can play an important role in the welfare of the country and the nation,” he said while speaking as the chief guest at an exchange meeting with journalists at the Mirza Ruhul Amin Auditorium in Thakurgaon on Friday.
Mirza Fakhrul said journalism is an extremely difficult and challenging profession. “There is no place where journalists have not been victims of torture. The mystery of the Sagar-Runi murder case remains unsolved to this day,” he said.
Stating that journalism should never be underestimated, he recalled that Manik Mia, the former editor of the Daily Ittefaq, “created ministers without being a minister himself.” He noted that journalists have a huge role in building society and the state but also cautioned that irresponsible journalism is harmful to the country and the nation.
Addressing journalists, he said that before publishing a report, the statement of the accused or the opposite party must be taken. He also called for extensive reading to ensure objective journalism.
The BNP secretary general said many journalists do not receive fair wages according to the wage board due to a lack of unity among them. Calling for unity instead of division, he said a new opportunity has been created in the country after the July uprising.
“That opportunity must be utilised to work for the country and the people,” he said.
On this occasion, he referred to the government’s Family Card programme as a groundbreaking initiative, saying it will empower women. He also called on journalists to publish positive news that supports the development of Thakurgaon.
Journalists from various print, electronic, and online media outlets in the district attended the meeting.
