Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today expressed the government’s firm stance on press freedom in the country.
PM reiterated BNP’s pledge at a meeting with members of the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) at the Cabinet Division in Secretariat, Dhaka, said Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Rumon.
Tarique, also the BNP chairman, said he regularly reads newspapers and watches television.
The PM also said he follows updates on issues reflected in the media and gives necessary instructions to officials concerned accordingly.
Rumon said the premier listened to NOAB members patiently and said that such views exchange meetings with them would be organised at regular intervals.
At the beginning of the meeting, NOAB President and Manab Zamin Editor-in-Chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury highlighted the challenges facing the newspaper industry and sought the PM’s cooperation in resolving them.
NOAB members congratulated the BNP on its victory in the 13th National Parliamentary election and Tarique Rahman on becoming prime minister.
They noted that newspapers were recognised as an industry during the BNP government in 2001, but said the media sector has now become a struggling industry.
Noting that large amounts in government advertising bills from previous administrations remain unpaid, NOAB leaders sought the prime minister’s support in clearing the dues.
Emphasising the need for regular meetings between the government and newspaper owners, Tarique said such meetings should be held every three months.
NOAB members urged the prime minister to withdraw cases filed against journalists during the interim government and sought his support in securing bail for those who have been arrested.
This was Tarique’s first formal meeting with NOAB after BNP formed the government.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, State Minister Yasser Khan Choudhury, Prime Minister’s Adviser on Information and Broadcasting Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, NOAB Vice President ASM Shahidullah Khan, Treasurer Altamash Kabir and members AK Azad, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Inqilab Editor AMM Bahauddin, Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Karatoa Editor Mozammel Hoque, Purbokone Editor Dr Ramizuddin Chowdhury, and Financial Express Publisher Nasim Manzur were present at the meeting.
Prime Minister's Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly was also present at the meeting.
