DHAKA, Jan 13, 2019 (BSS) – Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today appreciated Jatiya Oikya Front (JOF) convener Dr Kamal Hossain’s realization about the mistake of the opposition alliance in nominating Jamaat leaders for the December 30 elections with its key partner BNP’s party symbol.
“I appreciate your acknowledgement,” Hassan told newsmen at his office ahead of the first coordination meeting of the ministry after assuming the charge.
Hasan simultaneously called upon him to sever ties with Jamaat and take a decision about his stance if BNP declines to discard its ally.
He hoped that Jatiya Oikyafront top leader Dr Kamal Hossain will take final decision soon if BNP doesn’t leave its anti-liberation force Jamaat.
“I would like to thank Dr Kamal for realizing the mistake that Jatiya Oikyafront had been formed incorporating Jamaat ahead of the last general election … I hope that they will sever its tie with Jamaat through this realization,” he said.
Mahmud said, “I hope that Dr Kamal will take final decision regarding BNP if they (BNP) don’t leave Jamaat … I also hope that he (Dr Kamal) will change his wrong decision about not taking oath of his party’s lawmakers.”
Mentioning Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s role in expansion of the media, he said prime minister gave approval to private television channels after assuming power in 1996.
At present the number of private TV channel is 44 and 30 channels are on-air. A huge revolution has been made not only in the country’s online media but also in print, electronic and social media, he added.
“Around 8 crore people are using internet while around 9 crore are using social media and around 14 crore are using mobile phones. The revolution has made under the Awami League government,” he mentioned.
Mahmud said, “There will be dream in national life. Many people will criticize the government. But, blind and one-sided criticism is not useful. Our Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has introduced the culture of welcoming criticism. But a vested quarter is trying to drag the country backwards to foil the ongoing development.”
He said, “The mass media plays a vital role to build a best society. The role of the media is most important for mental development of children as well as the adult one.”
Mahmud, also the publicity and publication secretary of AL, said Bangladesh is now a middle income country. “The country is now a member of nuclear and satellite club. Now there are no huts in the country. This was possible only for our dynamic leader Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” he added.
Responding to a question about the recently enacted Digital Security Act, he said that the government will work on it so that no panic remains among the journalists about the act.
Information Secretary Abdul Malek, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Managing Director and Chief Editor Abul Kalam Azad, Bangladesh Betar Director General Narayan Chandra Shil, Bangladesh Television Director General SM Harun-or-Rashid, Chief Information Officer Begum Kamrun Nahar, Bangladesh Press Institute Director General Md Shah Alamgir, Bangladesh Film Development Corporation Director General Amir Hossain and Information Commissioner Nepal Chandra Sarker, among others, were present in the meeting.