Netrokona Correspondent //

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury has stated that the government will not interfere in any way with the freedom of the press or the freedom of speech of journalists. He mentioned that plans are being implemented to strengthen the Press Council and arrange regular training for journalists to curb unethical and sensationalist journalism.

The State Minister also informed that professional training for journalists at the district and upazila levels is already being conducted under the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB).

He made these remarks while speaking to local journalists on Friday (September 4) following the orientation for the ‘Rafiq Hilali English Excellence Program’ and a reception for meritorious students at the Kendua Public Hall auditorium in Netrokona.

Regarding media freedom, the State Minister clarified that the government would not interfere with press freedom or journalists’ freedom of speech. He noted that the media is currently operating with complete independence, and this trend will continue. He stated that there are directives from Prime Minister Tareq Rahman and the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to avoid exerting pressure to control the media and instead work towards further expanding media freedom. He urged journalists to perform their duties fearlessly and objectively.

Highlighting initiatives taken for the welfare of media personnel, he mentioned that a proposal to increase the allocation for the Journalist Welfare Trust from Tk 6 crore to Tk 25 crore has been sent to the Ministries of Finance and Planning. Media personnel across the country will soon reap the benefits of this move. He also affirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining the full independence of the judiciary.

Presided over by Dr. Rafiqul Islam Hilali, MP for Netrokona-3, the event was attended by Mymensingh-8 MP Lutfullahel Majid Babu, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Munmun Jahan Liza, Kendua Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sanjida Chowdhury, and other local administrative and political figures.

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