Govt committed to upholding press freedom: Info minister
Media Award on Corruption Prevention-2016
BSS
Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu yesterday categorically said the present government is firm to uphold the freedom of press to strengthen and institutionalize countrys democracy, reports BSS.
Irrespective of whatever the critics speak, Sheikh Hasinas government is firm to ensure the freedom of press, he said while speaking at an award giving ceremony on Media Award on Corruption Prevention-2016 at the Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) in the capital.
The information minister also called upon journalists to do objective reporting on corruption without any hesitation and also assured them (media people) of providing all-out supports in this regard.
PIB and Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) jointly introduced the award in cooperation with German-based organisation ZIZ and Dhaka Universitys Mass-Communication and Journalism Department, for the best reporting on corruption and its prevention.
Five journalists were given awards for best reporting in five categories - national daily, regional daily, TV reporter, TV cameraperson and photographer. They are-- Kundol Ray, staff reporter of daily Protham Alo, Shah Sohel Ahmed, staff reporter of Sylhet regional newspaper Dainik Sylheter Dak, Mohammad Mahabubul Alam and NTV senior cameraperson Wahiduzzaman and photographer of daily Samokal Kajol Hazra. The minister handed over the crest and certificates to the five journalists, who will get an opportunity to take part in the Global Media Forum, scheduled to be held in Bonn of Germany June 13-15 next.
Inu lauded the relentless efforts of journalists to dig out the corrupt practices in governments institutions as well as private sector saying, Media people should always highlight the facts and accuracy in different financial institutions through their objective reporting.
Peoples acceptance in news reports on corruption depends on the impartiality, objectivity and accurateness in reporting, he observed giving a call, Please dont blackmail anyone or attack particular institution or serve narrow political interest by doing your reports.
Without mentioning anybodys name, the information minister was also critical of the previous military rules and activities of communal forces and said, The widespread politicizing, exercising of power and corruption are some key barriers to democracy. Inu said, We are going ahead to give the countrys hard-earned democracy an institutional shape overcoming the longstanding effects of military rules and communal activities.
