Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has conveyed the government’s firm position regarding the independence of the nation’s newspapers.
This stance was articulated during a meeting with members of the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB) held today in the Public Administration Meeting Room of the Cabinet Division at the Bangladesh Secretariat. The information was provided by the Prime Minister’s Additional Press Secretary, Atiqur Rahman Rumon. He noted that during the meeting, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman underscored his government’s commitment to press independence.
Quoting the Prime Minister, he mentioned that the government is a proponent of press freedom. The Prime Minister regularly engages with newspapers and television broadcasts, inquiring about the portrayal of the country in the media and providing necessary guidance to relevant parties.
The Additional Press Secretary remarked that the Prime Minister attentively listened to the concerns raised by NOAB members. He also indicated that such dialogues would be held with NOAB members on a regular basis.
At the outset of the meeting, Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, the President of NOAB and Editor-in-Chief of Dainik Manabzamin, addressed the gathering. He brought attention to the current challenges facing the newspaper industry and requested the Prime Minister’s assistance in addressing these issues.
The NOAB leaders pointed out the significant outstanding government advertisement bills from previous administrations and sought the Prime Minister’s support in resolving this matter.
The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of consistent meetings between the government and newspaper proprietors, suggesting that these discussions should occur every three months.
The Additional Press Secretary also mentioned that NOAB members appealed to the Prime Minister regarding the withdrawal of cases against journalists from the previous interim government and the provision of bail for detained journalists, seeking his cooperation on these issues.
The meeting commenced at 2:20 pm and concluded at 3:30 pm. The Prime Minister participated in a lunch with the members of Noab.
In attendance were Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, State Minister for Information Yaser Khan Chowdhury, Information Advisor Dr. Zahed Ur Rahman, and the Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Saleh Shibli.
Also present at the meeting were Noab Vice President ASM Shahidullah Khan, Treasurer Altamash Kabir, Member AK Azad, Dainik Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Inqilab Editor AMM Bahauddin, Banik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, Karatoya Editor Mozammel Haque, Purbukone Editor Dr. Ramizuddin Chowdhury, and Financial Express Publisher Nasim Manjur.
