Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon has said that fascist governments and political forces seek to suppress the voices of the media and create their own influence within it.
“They want to rule, exploit, loot, kill and carry out enforced disappearances at will. They also want to build a group within the media to shape public opinion in favour of their wrongdoing, using the name of journalism,” he said.
The minister made the remarks as the chief guest at an inauguration and reception ceremony for the newly elected committee of the Munshiganj Press Club at the district Shilpakala Academy auditorium on Tuesday night.
Highlighting the challenges facing the media, he said, “The media is a means of delivering news to the public, and people have the right to receive accurate and truthful information. But when media outlets abandon this responsibility and instead disseminate false or distorted information, or act as tools for illegal regimes, vested business interests, or bargaining with the government, then honest journalists and those committed to this noble profession out of patriotism and ethics become vulnerable.
“Those working in the media against injustice and oppression, and speaking out against killings and enforced disappearances, are often subjected to repression and their voices are silenced,” he added.
The minister said a proper media policy is necessary in the country. “Consultations have already been held with all relevant stakeholders. The Prime Minister has also met with newspaper owners. A fair environment for the media will be ensured,” he said.
Referring to the distinction between professional and non-professional journalists, he said, “Some vested groups are undermining the dignity of journalism by exploiting this noble profession.
“To maintain transparency in the media, honest journalists must be protected from dishonest and opportunistic elements. Amid a crowd of so-called and floating journalists, genuine professionals are being marginalized,” he added.
The event, chaired by Munshiganj Press Club President Atikur Rahman Tipu, was attended by special guests including Member of Parliament for Munshiganj-3 Md Kamruzzaman Ratan, Acting Deputy Commissioner Mousumi Mahbub, Superintendent of Police Md Menhajul Alam, former President of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce Engineer Saiful Islam, and Munshiganj Zila Parishad Administrator AKM Iradat.
