State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat on Saturday said since the government is committed to protect environment, it will take an institutional approach to protect the fact-based journalism on climate and environmental issues.
"It is our central commitment to protect environment. If any journalist faces problems, created by so-called local influential people who are responsible for environment ruination, for reporting on environmental issues anywhere, we will ensure full support and protection for him or her," he said.
"If needed, we will take an institutional approach in this regard" added the state minister.
He gave the assurance to journalists at a discussion organized by the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) at Jahur Hossain Chowdhury Hall of the club here, marking the World Press Freedom Day with JPC President Farida Yasmin, MP, in the chair.
Noting that Bangladesh is the worst victim of climate change despite being least responsible for it, Arafat said, therefore, Bangladesh has to work taking the leadership role in the global stage in this regard.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he said, Bangladesh is always vocal on global platforms and negotiating to realize compensation from the developed countries responsible for damaging environment.
"We are working following an inclusive process, involving the government, civil society and mass media as all are united regarding this issue," Arafat added.
Along with protecting environment and ecology, the government wants to keep the wheel of the countrys economic development moving, but many people make ill efforts to create controversy over the development projects using the environmental issues as a shield, he said.
"So, I cannot consider as professional journalism the motivated journalism to halt the development spree using the environmental issues as a shield. We want to work with all on the basis of partnership with utmost honesty," Arafat said.
He said Bangladesh became first among 200 countries in achieving SDGs for six years in a row, which proved that this government does not believe in only development but in sustainable development.
Reiterating the governments commitment to ensure free flow of information, Arafat said, he is working to change the restrictive mindset of government officials over providing information.
"We will organize orientation programmes for government officials at different levels and training programmes for journalists on how they can effectively use the Right to Information (RTI) Act to get information," he added. —BSS
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