Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman has said the government will not interfere in the work of the media and wants journalists to work independently.
“The media is one of the pillars of democracy. The government will not interfere in the work of the media in any way,” he said.
Andaleeve made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an exchange meeting with local journalists at the Bhola Press Club auditorium around 11:30am on Thursday.
He said the government would take necessary initiatives regarding journalists’ demands related to the Wage Board, welfare, training and media policies.
“You will judge whether our work is being done well or badly. However, journalists’ pens should not unnecessarily harm anyone’s reputation,” he said.
The minister said he had never called any journalist to prevent the publication of a report or interfered in the politics of any press club during his nearly two decades in politics.
“I was never interested in having 10 journalists write in my favour or calling them and destroying their jobs if they did not. We want to move away from this practice,” he said.
He urged journalists to scrutinize the government’s activities and point out its mistakes and shortcomings.
“You will work independently in your own way. You will criticise the government’s work and point out its mistakes and shortcomings,” Andaleeve said.
“However, reports should not be driven by hatred, half-truths or fabrication. A wrong report can destroy a person’s life, career and reputation.”
The minister also expressed concern over the growing prevalence of cyberbullying, saying it was affecting public trust in the media.
“People now sometimes see genuine news and consider it fake news. As a result, the media is also facing questions,” he said.
Referring to journalists’ demands, Andaleeve invited a small delegation of local journalists to Dhaka for discussions.
“We will discuss what you want and which issues require policy decisions. I will speak to the prime minister and try to implement what is possible,” he said.
Chairing the meeting, Bhola Press Club President Nazrul Haque called for the speedy implementation of the Wage Board, a modern journalistic policy, regular district-level training through the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB), and effective initiatives for journalists’ welfare.
He also sought the Information Ministry’s assistance in renovating and developing the press club building.
Press Club General Secretary Nasir Uddin Liton and Cultural Secretary Mashiur Rahman moderated the meeting.
