DHAKA, May 2, 2019 (BSS) – Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said the role of the mass media is undeniable for building a multidimensional developed nation where there will be patriotism and compassion.
“Since taking the charges, I have been working relentlessly to ensure the highest freedom of the mass media as well as the journalists. But there should be responsibility along with the freedom of journalists,” he told at a discussion at an auditorium of the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) here.
Marking the World Press Freedom Day, the JPC organized the discussion titled ‘The Scenario of Mass Media: Perspective Bangladesh’ with its President Saiful Alam in the chair.
Dhaka University former vice chancellor Professor Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique addressed the discussion as the special guest while GTV chief editor Syed Ishtiaq Reza presented the keynote paper.
JPC general secretary Farida Yeasmin, senior journalists Riazuddian Ahmed, Monzurul Ahsan Bulbul, JPC senior vice president Omar Faruque, daily Prothom Alo joint editor Abdul Quaium Mukul, JPC former general secretary Quamrul Islam Chowdhury and NHK Bangladesh Representative Parvin Ahmed, among others, also addressed the discussion while JPC treasurer Shyamol Dutta conducted it.
Dr Hasan said media is the fourth organ of the state and it is not possible to establish a logic-based state without freedom of the mass media. “Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman struggled to establish a multidimensional country. Now Bangladesh is moving ahead under the dynamic leadership of Bangabandhu’s worthy daughter Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina,” the minister added.
He said just three years ago, Bangladesh graduated to developing country from least developed country as per the United Nations recognition and this has been possible only for the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Dr Hasan, also the publicity and publication secretary of the ruling Awami League, said once a food deficient country, Bangladesh is now a food exporting country though it is one of the most densely populated countries in the globe.
The minister said the country became one of the top five countries of the world in GDP growth. The country has emerged as a perfect example of development before the world community, he added.
The country has witnessed a considerable progress as the present government implemented many development programmes in the past 10 years, he said adding Bangladesh has exceeded India and Pakistan in many key indicators.
About the Digital Security Act, Dr Hasan said there are many countries which made such laws to ensure digital security for all. And Bangladesh also formed the act, he said, adding, “There were some cases of misuse of the act in the country. We should hold collective discussions so that none faces any harassment.”
He disclosed that the government would work on some clauses of the digital security act and urged the journalists to cooperate the government on this issue.