Bringing discipline in media a must
Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud yesterday stressed the need for bringing discipline in the media as the country saw an exponential growth in the sector in last 10 years.
"Today, media does not mean newspaper only. It includes newspapers, televisions, radios and online news portals… the canvas has changed in last 10 years," he told a meeting, reports BSS. Bangladesh Press Council (BPC) arranged the event at its office, marking Press Council Day.
Speaking as chief guest, the minister said many challenges are now added to media as it has seen a rapid growth. He also observed that if any fake news is published, it may cause harm to the society and state.
The minister said social media is an unedited platform and it is not a medium even though many consider it as such. Some also start to introduce themselves as journalists through showing cards of online portals but they are not actual journalists, he added.
Hasan, also the Awami League joint general secretary, urged the Bangladesh Press Council to prepare a work plan to bring discipline in the media and ensure objective journalism in the country.
He said media is now enjoying absolute freedom but it should function in such a way that freedom of others is not hampered.
About the press council, the information minister said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had passed the Press Council Act, 1974 and then the Bangladesh Press Council was formed aiming to flourish media in the country.
Like the press council act, he said, Bangabandhu enacted many laws to advance the nation.
Noting that Bangladesh is now a role model of development under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the minister said, "Building a pluralistic and equity-based society is our main goal."
He also said freedom of media is needed in this regard, reports UNB.
Information Secretary Kamrun Nahar said, "Yellow journalism should be avoided for the sake of society."
Editor of The Daily Observer Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury said a database of journalists will be created to bring discipline in the media.
"We need honesty and morality in profession. Database of journalists across the country will be made soon. The rules of press council should be strengthened for the freedom of media," he said.
Bangladesh Press Council Chairman Justice Md Mamtaz Uddin Ahmed chaired the programme where Editor of Bangladesh Protidin Naem Nizam was present, among others.
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