It was drafted in a transparent way
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday claimed the National Broadcast Policy was formulated in a “very transparent way” after discussions with all stakeholders.
Replying to lawmakers' queries in parliament, the premier elaborately explained how meticulously her government had advanced since November 2012 to formulate the policy.
Hasina said the draft policy had been posted on the information ministry's website for 21 days before its finalisation.
“Critics, who are raising questions now, did not say anything during the finalisation of the draft policy. The government has formulated the policy keeping the welfare of people and broadcast media in consideration.”
The process was on to enact a law for the formation of an independent broadcast commission, she added. “Everyone concerned will give their suggestions to this end so that the loopholes in the policy, if any, can be dealt with through the law."
Claiming that the Awami League government believes in "complete freedom of newspapers and mass media", Hasina hoped the country's media would play a more responsible role following the formulation of the broadcast policy.
On the relocation of tanneries from the city's Hazaribagh to Savar, the PM said the owners were supposed to shift their tanneries to Savar by December this year, according to a memorandum of understanding between Bangladesh Institute of Small Industry and Cottage and the entrepreneurs.
“Thirty percent work of setting up the central effluent treatment plant [in Savar] has been completed. The rest of the work is expected to be completed by 2015."
Speaking on her July tour to the UK, the Hasina said British Prime Minister David Cameron had "unequivocally" announced that the January 5 election of Bangladesh was a past issue and the UK wanted to look forward.
“The UK wants to strengthen bilateral ties with Bangladesh in the coming days,” she quoted Cameron as saying.
Replying to another query, the premier said her government had taken up a mega plan to generate 38,360MW electricity by 2030 through independent power plants, joint venture companies and other sources.
Sheikh Hasina also highlighted her government's successes, including the recent victory in the maritime boundary disputes with India, implementing the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace treaty, empowering women, and establishing rule of law and people's right to justice.
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