'Divisions undermine strength of journalists'

An unfortunate atmosphere prevails at the National Press Club as the journalists remain divided with regard to their views and ideals, said Joint News Editor of the daily Ittefaq Hasan Shahriar, adding that 90 percent of the reporters cannot become members of the press club because of restrictive rules.

It is a matter of pride that the reporters have maintained their unity and harmony though faced with various divisions, said Information Minister M Shamsul Islam as chief guest.

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He said there has been a free flow of news and information in the country, and the media should make proper use of press freedom.

The minister called upon the media persons to focus not only the flaws and failures of the government but also portray the country's positive achievements with equal importance.

State Minister for Education ANM Ehsanul Haque Milon, DRU President M Shafiqul Karim, its former president Ajmal Hossain Khadem, founder president Shafiqul Kabir, UNB Editor Golam Tahaboor and former chairman of Dhaka Bank Hayatuzzaman also spoke on the occasion.

Dhaka Bank has sponsored the new auditorium.

Earlier, Mayor Sadeque Hossain Khoka laid the foundation stone of the extended building of the DRU on its own land at Topkhana Road.