Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud said the freedom of press and the expansion of media in Bangladesh are examples for other developing countries.

“We believe in free media, we believe in media freedom. The mass media hasn’t expanded in many neighboring countries and doesn’t enjoy such unfettered freedom,” he said at a discussion in the Jatiya Press Club as the chief guest on Wednesday.

Dr Hasan said if there is the responsibility with freedom, mass media can operate properly. But if the freedom is exercised avoiding responsibility, then in many cases the society as well as the state is harmed, he added.

The mass media is the fourth pillar of the state and democracy and the mass media are complement to each other, he said, adding: “Without freedom and transparency of media, democracy can never be operative and democratic social system cannot survive. Therefore, freedom of media and freedom of expression are definitely necessary to consolidate the democracy”.

Dainik Jugantor Editor Saiful Alam, Dainik Samakal Editor Mozammel Hossain, senior journalist Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul and Jatiya Press Club Joint Secretary Md Ayub Bhuiyan also spoke at the event. 

Bd-pratidin English/Golam Rosul