Newspaper sector now an industry

The government yesterday declared the newspaper sector as an industry, separating it from the service sector, in an effort to make the print media stronger and more vibrant.
Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu made the announcement at a meeting with the leaders of the Newspapers Owners' Association of Bangladesh (Noab) in his office.
The government had decided it considering the longstanding demands of the newspaper owners, he said, adding, “I hope a powerful newspaper industry will emerge in the country through this initiative."
The minister said there should be more positive news in papers for the welfare of the country and those should be published regardless of any party interest.
The newspaper owners appreciated the government decision and requested it to publish the gazette as soon as possible to ensure relevant facility for the sector.
In response the minister said the relevant file had already been signed and the gazette would be published soon.
NOAB President Mahbubul Alam, Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam, Prothom Alo Editor and Publisher Matiur Rahman, Samakal Publisher AK Azad, New Age Publisher and Chairman of the Editorial Board ASM Shahidullah Khan, News Today Editor and Publisher Reazuddin Ahmed, Financial Express Editor and Publisher Moazzem Hossain and Additional Industries Secretary Farhad Uddin were, among others, present in the meeting with the industries minister.