A large number of news followers in Bangladesh rely on social media to get information, but private newspapers still remain the most trusted news source for the majority of news readers in the country. A new research has revealed that majority people still rely on privately-owned newspapers as the trusted news source, while 41% said they consider social media as their most trusted source of news. People practice self-censorship because they are worried about their safety. Bangladesh is now at a crossroads, where the media can play an important role to ensure human rights and the right of free expression. Its other tasks are to ensure good governance and ensure social harmony. Mainstream news media is now under threat due to the expansion of social media. The social media platforms are allowed to everyone and contents are free for circulation. Undeniably laws are needed to be changed to protect the rights of the journalists, but the people in power do not want to make those changes.
Journalists practice self-censorship because they fear the consequences of expressing their views freely. Media these days has every right to praise but not to dissent. In terms of the freedom of expression, Bangladesh for many years has been slipping down while the space of expressing dissent opinions has narrowed. Though the number of media multiplied over the years, the established media have been facing financial pressure due to the governmental intervention. In the recent years, several electronic media have stopped their operation as the citizens are not interested to watch the government propagated news. The print and electronic media are compelled to serve the government to propagate its narratives. There are very few who have the courage to challenge the government sponsored corruption, terrorism and other illegal activities. Finding no other alternatives, a large number of people put their trust on social media and alternative media that are often big sources of rumour and catalyst of social movements.
The media must get every opportunity to regain its lost trust by practicing ethical and investigative journalism staying neutral and professional.
Journalists practice self-censorship because they fear the consequences of expressing their views freely. Media these days has every right to praise but not to dissent. In terms of the freedom of expression, Bangladesh for many years has been slipping down while the space of expressing dissent opinions has narrowed. Though the number of media multiplied over the years, the established media have been facing financial pressure due to the governmental intervention. In the recent years, several electronic media have stopped their operation as the citizens are not interested to watch the government propagated news. The print and electronic media are compelled to serve the government to propagate its narratives. There are very few who have the courage to challenge the government sponsored corruption, terrorism and other illegal activities. Finding no other alternatives, a large number of people put their trust on social media and alternative media that are often big sources of rumour and catalyst of social movements.
The media must get every opportunity to regain its lost trust by practicing ethical and investigative journalism staying neutral and professional.
