Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud on Friday said the government has ensured freedom of the media and is determined to maintain and continue that freedom.
“We think that freedom of the media is related to the development of the state,” he said while briefing journalists on contemporary affairs at his Dewanji Pukur Par residence in Chattogram city.
In the name of freedom, if anyone practices shoddy journalism, the countrymen as well as the journalists' society must not support it, said the minister.
“You (journalists) will definitely agree with me that it is not appropriate to do politics in the name of journalism,” he added.
About the issuing of statements from 12 countries over the arrest of Prothom Alo journalist Shamsuzzaman, Hasan mentioned India where the BBC office was searched a few days ago.
Did these countries then express their concerns and make statements, he asked.
Because India is a big country and India's power and capacity is high, they could not show that courage there, Hasan Mahmud added.
The minister said ill-attempts are being made to spread confusion in the country regarding the economic prosperity.
“Many people do not like the economic prosperity of Bangladesh, which has been achieved under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the worthy daughter of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. That is why attempts are being made to create confusion in the country,” he said.
Acting President of Chattogram City AL Mahatab Uddin Chowdhury, its General Secretary Former Mayor AJM Nashir Uddin, Organizing Secretary Noman Al Mahmud, Chattogram North District AL President MA Salam, South District Acting President Motaherul Islam Chowdhury and its General Secretary Mofizur Rahman and Jatiya Sramik League Central Vice President Safar Ali, among others, were present.
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