The government on Tuesday formally announced newspapers as an industry, fulfilling a long-standing demand of the owners.Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu made the announcement at a meeting with newspaper owners at the ministry’s conference room yesterday.Newspaper Owners Association (NOAB) representatives Mahbubul Alam, Matiur Rahman, Mahfuz Anam, AK Azad, Reazuddin Ahmed and AHM Moazzem Hossain were present at the meeting.The industries minister said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has directed to announce newspaper as an industry in view of the demand of the owners.Making a call to publishing more positive news in interest of the country’s development and prosperity, he said positive news should be published for welfare of the country without any party interest.Referring to potentials of the country, he said many foreign governments and companies expressed keenness to invest here because of political stability.Replying to a question, the minister said a gazette would be published soon announcing newspaper as an industry.The newspaper owners appreciated the government for the decision and requested for quick publication of the gazette to ensure different facilities for newspapers.Additional secretary of industries ministry M Farhad Uddin and senior officials concerned were present at the meeting.
