Info minister pledges free media
Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad yesterday assured editors and senior journalists that his government would ensure the free flow of information and freethinking of journalists in the country.
He also said that he was sincerely considering the proposition to make the state run radio and TV autonomous.
In his first meeting with the country's senior journalists after assuming office, the information minister said his government was committed to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the people.
“This is not the government of Awami League alone, it is the government of all people,” he said.
Azad also said that he would take up the matter of the Right to Information Ordinance 2008 with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina so that it can be promulgated into an act.
He sought constructive criticism from both the print and electronic media but did not say anything regarding the 'black laws' some of the senior journalists raised questions about during the meeting.
When his attention was drawn to the killings of and repression on journalists in the past, the minister assured proper investigations of the incidents.
Editors and senior journalists of different newspapers, television channels and news agencies raised various issues, including harassment of journalists, government advertisements and payments and the difficulties in getting information.
Addressing the meeting, eminent columnist ABM Musa requested the minister not to depend on bureaucrats in discharging his duties.
He also asked the minister to 'reinstate' the autonomy of institutions like the Press Council which were made autonomous but are still being run by bureaucrats.
The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam said, “We are both your friends as well as your critics. Please keep that in mind while you carry out your duties.”
News Today Editor Reazuddin Ahmed called on the minister to promulgate the right to information ordinance into an act after ncessary amendments. He also requested him to take steps to scrap some 'black laws' existing in the country.
Editor of The Independent Mahbubul Alam, Amar Desh Editor Ataus Samad, Editor of Prothom Alo Motiur Rahman, Advisory Editor of Janakantha Toab Khan, noted journalist Golam Sarwar, Khabarpatra Editor Gias Kamal Chowdhury, Observer Editor Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Samokal Editor Abed Khan, New Age Editor Nurul Kabir, Manabzamin Editor Motiur Rahman Chowdhury and Naya Diganta Editor Alamgir Mohiuddin, Bhorer Kagoj Editor Shyamal Dutta, Jugantar Editor Salma Islam, Inquilab Editor AMM Bahauddin, Amader Samoy Editor Naimul Islam Khan and bdnews24.com editor Toufique Imrose Khalidi attended the meet, among others.
Information Secretary Jamil Osman, Press Secretary to Prime Minister Abul Kalam Azad and Principal Information Officer (PIO) Iftekhar Hossain were also present.
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