BNP gets more media coverage than AL: Info minister

Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud yesterday said the media is working independently and the government has taken various initiatives to ensure press freedom in the country.

“BNP gets more publicity on TV, radio and newspapers than Awami League. The ruling party does not get such coverage, even though BNP stays outside the parliament,” he said while replying to a query from a journalist after attending an event at National Institute of Mass Communication (Nimco) auditorium in Dhaka.

The minister addressed a certificate distribution and prize giving ceremony there as chief guest, organised by Bangladesh Film and Television Institute (BFTI).

Information Secretary Abdul Malek spoke as special guest with BFTI Chief Executive Mohammad Azharul Haque in the chair.

Referring to BNP Secretary General Fakhrul Islam Alamgir's comment that they do not get publicity on TV for more than two seconds, Hasan said Fakhrul made the remark on TV for around a minute.

“Almost every day, they talk and brief media, but they claim that they are not allowed to talk,” the minister added.

Replying to another query, Hasan said, “Khaleda Zia is satisfied with her treatment at BSMMU. But BNP leaders are talking in such a way as if each of them is a specialised doctor.”

While addressing the certificate distribution ceremony, Hasan stressed the need for making quality films.

Nimco Director General Shahin Islam and BFTI Director Maruf Nawaz spoke at the function, among others.