Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister and Secretary General of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has called on all concerned to uphold and protect media freedom in Bangladesh through responsible conduct.
He made the remarks while addressing an Iftar gathering organised by the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) and the Dhaka Union of Journalists (DUJ) at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Fakhrul emphasised that genuine belief in press freedom must be reflected in actions.
“We often speak about the freedom of newspapers and the media, but it is important that we truly believe in it and work accordingly,” he said.
The BNP leader noted that the country has achieved its current environment through prolonged struggle and political movements. According to him, the opportunity to gather openly with journalists again in such a setting is something to be valued.
He also thanked members of the media for the role they played during various democratic movements in the country, saying their cooperation and support would always be remembered.
During his speech, Fakhrul recalled the cordial relationship that existed between journalists and BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and offered prayers for the forgiveness of the late leader’s soul.
Referring to the current political context, he said the formation of a new government with public backing has created a fresh political opportunity for the country, especially as the first session of the new parliament is set to begin soon.
Fakhrul expressed hope that the parliament would serve as a strong platform for institutionalising democracy and guiding national political activities.
He urged those who believe in democracy and media freedom to utilise the moment to help establish Bangladesh as a truly democratic and liberal state.
The discussion before the Iftar was chaired by DUJ President Md Shahidul Islam and conducted by its General Secretary Khurshid Alam.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, Social Welfare Minister Dr AZM Zahid Hossain, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yeaser Khan Choudhury, Secretary General of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Mia Golam Parwar, BFUJ President Obaidur Rahman Shaheen and its Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury spoke at the event.
Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Abu Abdullah M Saleh and Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman were present, along with National Press Club President Hasan Hafiz and General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan.
DUJ Vice-President Rashedul Haque, Joint Secretary Didarul Alam Didar and Organising Secretary Sayeed Khan also attended the programme.
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