Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Sunday said freedom and accountability both are the most crucial in the advancement of mass media.
“Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had formed the Press Council aiming to ensure independence of the mass media, so that, media can act properly as the mirror of the society,” he said, addressing a discussion at Press Council auditorium in the city.
The minister said the press council was formed so that media can refrain itself from publishing false and untrue information.
Bangladesh Press Council (BPC) organised the discussion marking the ‘Bangladesh Press Council Day’.
State Minister for Information Dr Murad Hasan, Information Secretary Khaja Mia, BPC members Awami League Advisory Council Member Mozaffar Hossain Paltu and senior journalist Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury addressed the discussion as special guests with BPC panel chairman Advocate Syed Rezaur Rahman in the chair.
Mentioning that the Press Council has been working with utmost sincerity since its inception, Hasan said, “Today is the Press Council Day. The day has been observed since 2017. The role of mass media is the most important in creating a multidimensional society. And we believe in free flow of information and freedom of mass media.”
The minister said the state is moving ahead indomitably under the dynamic leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the country saw an exponential growth of mass media in the last 12 years.
“Everyone should keep in mind that accountability comes along with freedom”, said Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary.
He said it should be ensured that one’s freedom does not infringe on another’s independence and interfere with other’s freedom of expression.
The minister said the government is working to amend Press Council act to increase its power so that the council can play an active role in ensuring both freedom of the press and accountability.
Hasan said the government is working for creating a multidimensional society to move the nation ahead. But, when the country is moving forward, vested quarters begin conspiracies at home and abroad, he added.
“We should remain alert against the conspiracies. And we will work together to move the country forward,” the minister said.
