They also called for strong editorial and sub-editorial to face the pressure from state and non-state factors to ensure the freedom of journalists.

The seminar on 'Freedom of the Journalists and the Mass Media' was organised by Dhaka University (DU) Journalists' Association at the business studies faculty auditorium.

Speaking as chief guest at the seminar, Science and ICT Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said people should not be deprived of their right to information.

He said there was a proposal to enact a law shrinking the press freedom, but it could not be implemented due to strong opposition from within the government.

Editor of New Age Enayetullah Khan said the government always criticises the media for publishing negative news and frequently urges for 'constructive journalism.'

But journalism is journalism, it cannot be defined as constructive or destructive, he added.

Enayetullah Khan said newspapers should take stand in favour of good against the evil.

Chairman of mass communication and journalism department Professor Sakhawat Ali Khan said the print media is enjoying more freedom than electronic media.

He said journalists should be united for ensuring their own freedom.

Later, Shaheed Shah Chisti Helalur Rahman Memorial Award 2002 and 2003 were handed over to Sahabul Haq of the daily Ittefaq and Qazi Saifuddin of Bhorer Kagoj.

DU Vice-Chancellor Professor SMA Faiz, Pro-VC AFM Yusuf Haider, Editor of News Today Reazuddin Ahmed, Editor of Bhorer Kagoj Abed Khan and News Editor of NTV Khairul Anwar Mukul were present on the occasion.