Speak truth to power, President Abdul Hamid told journalists on Friday morning, adding that for journalism to be effective, careful attention must be paid to evidence and information.
“Only the practice of telling the right thing can bring journalism to its peak. The mass media must criticise the role of the government, even of me. But bear this in mind: criticism has to be based on information,” the president, speaking as the chief guest at the 25th anniversary celebrations of the Daily Star newspaper, said.
The English-language daily newspaper's silver jubilee was being held in the capital's Osmani Memorial Auditorium.
Photo: PID
The free flow information and freedom of expression are crucially important for the mass media to flourish, the president said.
He said constructive criticism can play a major role in helping the government make the right choices for the country, provided that it is responsibly done. “Freedom does not mean that the media can do anything it wants to. Freedom does not mean that you can interfere with the freedom of others.”
President Abdul Hamid added: “The government wants the media to work in way that will increase the country's welfare. Because of this, the government believes any kind of attack on mass media is a threat to democracy.”
He said the media needs to be equipped with the latest technology to protect against the the menace of global terrorism and organised crime.
The president said the media plays a massive role in building public opinion. He expressed hope that the media would be active in strengthening the country's democracy and development.
