President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday stressed expediting the country’s democratic march forward as only a democratic system can ensure people’s freedom of expression. “Human rights and individualism do not flourish without democracy. Only a democratic system can ensure people’s full freedom as well as their freedom of expression and thinking. We’ve to expedite make more meaningful our democratic march forward for the country’s progress,” he said.
The President was addressing a programme marking the distribution of Bazlur Rahman Smirti Padak-2014 organised by Liberation War Museum at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the city. Rajib Noor of Daily Samakal (print media) and Mizan Malik of Jamuna TV (electronic media) received the award for their reports on the War of Liberation.
The Padak has been introduced after the name of late Bazlur Rahman, a eminent journalist, former editor of the daily Sangbad and organiser of the Liberation War.
President Hamid said the role of newspapers is very important in flourishing democracy. “Newspapers project opinions as well as hopes and aspirations of people and pinpoint government’s mistakes.” He further said newspapers and electronic media are now enjoying full freedom and rights to express their opinions. In the present context, the newspapers and electronic media have a whole lot of duties. All expect that the media will give priority to national interests in presenting news and making opinions being responsible to the country and its people.”
Mentioning that the best achievement of the Bangalee nation is its independence, Abdul Hamid said united efforts are needed to make it meaningful as it has been achieved through many sacrifices. The President underscored the need for upholding the authentic history of the country’s Liberation War among the new generation. “The glorious history of our great Independence has been distorted in many ways. Vested quarters have used it in its own interest. It’s our moral duty to uphold the accurate history of the country’s Liberation War among the new generation,” he added. Abdul Hamid went on saying, “Newspapers and electronic media have been playing an important role in digging out the unknown facts of the Liberation War. I hope the introduction of Bazlur Rahman Smirti Padak will inspire them to discharge the duty. The people of the country, especially the young generation, will be introduced with the authentic history of motherland’s struggle for independence.” Trustees of Liberation War Museum Dr Sarwar Ali and Ziauddin Tariq Ali, among others, spoke at the programme held with Dhaka University Vice Chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique in the chair.
