Minister Pledges Full Freedom for Media at Bogura Event

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has said that media freedom is not a matter of charity and assured that full freedom of the media will be ensured.

He made the remarks on Friday (13 March) at a local convention center in Bogura while addressing a program where financial assistance was distributed among journalists from seven districts of the Rajshahi Division, along with scholarships for meritorious children of journalists’ families.

Atiqur Rahman Rumon, Additional Press Secretary to the Prime Minister, was present at the event.

In his speech as the chief guest, the Information Minister said that the media ensures how effectively the state works for the welfare of the people. Therefore, media freedom is not a matter of charity; rather, it is the responsibility of the government to guarantee it.

Zahir Uddin Swapan said that in modern civilization, the media is an indispensable component, and the practice of civilization is not possible without it.

He called on the media to come forward to ensure accountability in the state and society. He added that in societies where accountability does not exist, fallen, disgraced, and humiliated state leaders like Sheikh Hasina emerge.

The minister said the government aims to build a culture of accountability by strengthening the media.

He also highlighted several initiatives taken by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman as part of fulfilling the government’s election commitments, including the distribution of family cards, allowances for imams and muezzins, and the waiver of agricultural loans.

Among others present at the event were Managing Director of the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust Bashir Jamal, President of Bogura Press Club Rezaul Hasan Ranu, its General Secretary Kalam Azad, and representatives from various media outlets.

DBTech/PR/EK/OR