Maintain ethics of journalism, help strengthen democracy

President Iajuddin Ahmed yesterday sought supporting role of the media in attaining national progress as Bangladesh is now on the road to development and making its endeavour towards flourishing democratic process.
“It is our sacred responsibility to nourish and foster this development process through concerted efforts so that a happy and prosperous country is established,” he said, urging media personnel, both from print and electronic, to come forward in materialising hopes and aspirations of the people.
The president made the call while speaking at the re-launching ceremony of the English daily 'The Bangladesh Today' as the chief guest at Hotel Sonargaon. Law Adviser AF Hassan Ariff attended the programme as the special guest.
Iajuddin called upon the media people to maintain the ethics of journalism and bring out objective news with a sense of obligation to the nation.
“As you know, accuracy, objectivity, patriotism and public accountability are some of the vital elements of code of ethics in journalism, which should be upheld,” he said.
He observed that a good newspaper is the mirror of society that reflects the overall development and affairs of a nation in its true perspective.
He said the role of newspapers, however, is of paramount importance in building a prosperous society as well as a nation.
Terming Bangladesh as a 'developing country', he said the country has been facing different problems and striving hard to attain the cherished development goals since its independence.
“Against this backdrop, newspapers have significant role in helping and fostering the development process through its constructive treatment.”
He said the media, both print and electronic, are enjoying freedom of expression in Bangladesh at present. “In this circumstance, the responsibility of media is much higher than that of anything else.”
The president observed that the ethics and standards of journalism are very important in this free atmosphere of expression.
He said the press, which is considered very important instrument to influence policy formulation of the government, can play a pivotal role in ensuring good governance and transparency in every level of national life.
“Newspaper is very responsive to address the social issues and helps in building awareness to solve the problems,” he told the function, adding that it also helps in disseminating knowledge and idea throughout the territory.
“Therefore, we should pay our sincere attention to circulating a responsible newspaper keeping national interest above.”