Govt determined to ensure freedom of media: info minister

Minister for Information and Broadcasting Hasan Mahmud today said that the government has ensured freedom of the media.

"Our government has ensured freedom of the media, and we are determined to continue to do so," Hasan Mahmud, also the joint general secretary of Bangladesh Awami League, said while talking to journalists on contemporary issues at his residence in the port city.

It appears some newspapers are purposely reporting negatively, he added.

"If any of us do bad journalism in the name of freedom, then the vast people of the country and the journalist community will definitely not support it," he said.

"You will surely agree with me that it is not appropriate to do politics in the name of journalism," Hasan Mahmud added.

Some identified quarters from abroad try to mislead people by spreading misinformation against Bangladesh, but this has not been able to stop the country's progress, the minister said.

Hasan Mahmud said various newspapers around the world area praising the way Bangladesh is moving forward under the leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter Sheikh Hasina despite the Covid pandemic.

He also said Bloomberg recently published a report which talked about the possibility of Sheikh Hasina winning the next election and being elected for the fourth term.

When asked whether the statement issued by 12 countries, including the US, over the arrest of Prothom Alo journalist Shamsuzzaman, is an interference in Bangladesh's internal affairs, the minister said, "A statement on behalf of the embassies of the 12 countries was published on their websites.

"It is not appropriate for diplomats to interfere in our internal affairs. They will be reminded of the Vienna Convention on the Conduct of Diplomats when necessary," he added.