The government has formally announced newspapers as an industry, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the owners.
Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu made the announcement at a meeting with newspaper owners at the ministry's conference room on Tuesday afternoon.
Mahbubul Alam, Matiur Rahman, Mahfuz Anam, AK Azad, Rezauddin Ahmed and AHM Moazzem Hossain were present at the meeting among the owners, reports BSS.
The industries minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed to announce newspaper as an industry in view of the demand of owners.
Making a call to publishing more positive news in interest of the country's development and prosperity, he said positive news should be published for welfare of the country and it has no relation with party interest.
Referring to potentials of the country, he said many foreign governments and companies expressed keenness to invest here because of political stability.
Replying to a question, the minister said the relevant file has already been signed and the gazette would be published soon announcing newspaper as an industry.
The newspaper owners appreciated the government for the decision and requested for quick publication of the gazette to ensure different facilities for newspapers.
Earlier, Japanese Ambassador Shiro Sudashima called on the industries minister at his office.
After the meeting, Amu said increasing Japanese investment and trade was discussed in the meeting.
He said Japan expressed keenness to set up factories of Sony and Honda in Bangladesh.
Additional secretary of industries ministry M Farhad Uddin and senior officials concerned were present at the meeting.