Journalists will be protected if they are attacked while reporting on environmental protection
Government of Bangladesh is committed to freedom of media without any intention to interfere with the freedom of media. However, action will be taken against those who spread misinformation about the development of the government, said the Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat.
He said, the media is not only free but also open. Rather, many journalists tell me to stop unregistered online news portals. The media asks for a list of employees, who works where. But we are not doing that. We want everyone to come in a systematic process.
This is what the Minister of State for Information conveyed these matters while responding to a question during a discussion on ‘Free Media and Freedom of Expression in the Context of the Current Global Environmental Crisis’ on the occasion of ‘World Free Media Day 2024’ at Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) office in Dhanmondi on Thursday, May 2nd.
UNESCO, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and Article 19 jointly organized the meeting. Her Excellency Alexandra Berg Von Linde, Ambassador of Sweden appointed in Dhaka, Suzan Vaiz, UNESCO Representative and Head of Office in Bangladesh and TIB Executive Director Dr. Iftekharuzzaman spoke at the event.
Mohammad Ali Arafat said, systematic disinformation campaign is done by foreign cooperation media and some parts of civil society. This type of campaign is conducted to hinder the development of the government. We know why this happens. This is sometimes done with foreign sponsorship. There are different types of intrigue with hill tracks, garments sectors and so on.
Referring to Rampal, he said, we must protect the environment. There have been lies about Rampal and Adani involvement days after days. It is not true that it is harmful. We brought NTMC to Bangladesh for our interest. They have experience of 70 thousand MW power projects. We have brought investment from Exim Bank. We want to develop electricity through partnership. It is all in the interest of Bangladesh. There will be 50-50 partnership, whatever profit will be shared.
The Information and Broadcasting Minister also said that there have been many lies about Rampal. The biggest lie is the lie about India. Reporting must have integrity. We welcome criticism of any kind, but not lies. Anyone can criticize the government’s activities. But when a series of falsehoods are purposefully committed, questions arise.
Executive Director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Dr. Iftekharuzzaman said, Bangladesh has played a commendable role in combating global warming. Increasing land piracy, destruction of biodiversity in the name of development, encroachment in the name of urbanization has now become a normal process. A part of the ruling class is benefiting from such aggression on the environment because they are protecting it. The media and civil society who will work on these issues, the environment is shrinking day by day. There are also weaknesses in the law. Those who are supposed to enforce the law, to ensure accountability, are also complicit. There have been 23 incidents of torture in recent years, with 43 journalists being assaulted while doing their work. There have been incidents of funds being stopped by various organizations, attacks have occurred, there is more grassroots occupation, the risk is higher in these areas.
Rezwanul Haque, President of Broadcast Journalist Forum and news editor of Masranga Television, said that journalism is facing challenges all over the world. Environmental journalism is a bit more challenging. Many powerful people are involved behind Balumahal, cutting hills down and making lakes. They face obstacles. There is no one to watch the TV journalists. When journalists go to do something with risk, no one is there to help them when they are in danger.