DHAKA, April 4, 2019 (BSS)-Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said the mass media is working independently and the government has taken various initiatives to ensure media freedom in the country.
“Publicity of BNP is more in televisions (TVs), radios and newspapers than Awami League’s (AL). Ruling AL does not get such coverage in media that the BNP gets despite staying outside the parliament,” he said, replying to a query from a journalist after attending a function at National Institute of Mass Communication (NIMCO) auditorium here.
Earlier, the minister addressed a certificate distribution and prize giving ceremony organized by the Bangladesh Film and Television Institute (BFTI) as the chief guest at the NIMCO auditorium in the city’s Darus Salam area. Information Secretary Abdul Malek addressed the function as the special guest with BFTI Chief Executive Mohammad Azharul Haque in the chair.
Referring to BNP Secretary General Fakhrul Islam Alamgir’s remark that they do not get publicity on the TVs for more than two seconds, Hasan said he (Fakhrul) said this on the TV for around one minute.
“They talk to media for two times almost every day and brief media, but they claim that they are not allowed to talk,” the minister added.
Replying to another query, Hasan said, “Begum Khaleda Zia is satisfied with her treatment at BSMMU. But the BNP leaders are talking in such a way as if each of them is a specialized doctor”.
Referring to the government’s assistances for Khaleda Zia’s treatment, Dr Hasan said, “If the BNP leaders go to the foreigners, even after such arrangements (for Begum Zia’s treatment), they should keep in mind that it will bring no outcome. If BNP is a party of Bangladeshi people, they should stay with the cEarlier, auntrymen instead of going to the foreigners”.
Addressing the certificate distribution and prize giving ceremony, Hasan said moral and spiritual development of the people is needed for accelerating the country’s development pace.
He urged all to come forward for making quality and standard films to build a developed nation.
National Institute of Mass Communication Director General Shahin Islam, BFTI Director Maruf Newas and course director M Hamid also spoke at the function, among others.