Dhaka, Aug 07 (V7N) – Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Friday said a strong and independent media is essential for sustaining democracy, urging journalists to report the truth impartially and uphold professional standards.
He made the remarks while addressing a seminar titled "Role of Media in Sustainable Democracy," organized by the Television Editors Council at a hotel in the capital.
Mirza Fakhrul said that establishing sustainable democracy had taken centuries in many Western countries, while Bangladesh is still on its democratic journey.
"We all want a vibrant media where there is room for discussion and criticism. However, if one listens to some talk shows, it appears as though the government has completely failed and the country has been destroyed. Democracy will be sustainable only if the media is strong," he said.
The minister also questioned why some media outlets engage in self-censorship, claiming that the current government does not exert pressure on journalists.
"If you write the truth, you will not be taken to the mirror," he said, referring to alleged practices of intimidation faced by journalists in the past.
Highlighting the importance of democratic values, Mirza Fakhrul said respect for differing opinions is one of the fundamental pillars of democracy.
"Even if you disagree with someone's views, you must ensure their right to express those views. A sustainable democracy cannot be established if political intolerance continues to grow," he added.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan also attended the seminar. He urged media professionals to ensure that journalism is not driven solely by corporate business interests and reaffirmed the importance of preserving the integrity of the profession.
Speaking at the event, Jamuna Television Head of News Touhidul Islam said journalists should not assume that the profession places them above accountability.
"We have to sustain ourselves through quality journalism," he said.
The speakers also stressed the importance of maintaining professionalism in journalism and argued that establishing an independent media commission could help address many of the challenges facing the country's media sector.
END/SMA/AJ
