Media now enjoys highest level of freedom: Bhuiyan

Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) President Mozammel Haque speaks at a roundtable at the National Press Club in the city yesterday. PHOTO: STAR

This is the golden time for the press as the BNP government believes in full freedom of the press, he added.

However, the freedom of reporters is yet to be achieved as sometimes they are forced to write stories as per the dictates of the newspaper owners, the minister said at a roundtable on 'Freedom of Bangladesh Newspaper: Past and Present'.

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Unlike during the tenure of the previous government, the media now does not face any legal obstacles, he added.

Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) organised the discussion at the National Press Club in the city.

Speaking at the roundtable, Law Minister Moudud Ahmed said the media cannot be controlled by enforcing laws as freedom of the press is a precondition for democracy and good governance.

Some newspapers are abusing their freedom as they publish incorrect news sometimes, he said, adding that they even do not publish rejoinders.

The minister called on the newsmen to initiate a code of conduct for responsible journalism.

The media can also play the role as a second parliament, he added.

Stressing the need for empowering the Press Council, he suggested appointing a neutral person as the head of the Press Council in order to ensure accountability of the newsmen.

Journalist Mahfuz Ullah presented a keynote paper depicting the condition of the press in the past and present.

Deputy Minister for Information Abdus Salam Pintu, National Press Club President Reazuddin Ahmed, BFUJ Secretary General Ruhul Amin Gazi, Acting Editor of the Khabarparta Gias Kamal Chowdhury, Acting Editor of the Dinkal Quazi Siraj and journalist Mahbubullah took part in the roundtable moderated by BFUJ President Mozammel Haque.