Dhaka Bureau: Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat has said that he wants to create an excellent environment for journalism and unblock the flow of information.
This was said by the State Minister at the “Meet the Reporters” event organized by Dhaka Reporters Unity at Dhaka Reporters Unity’s Nasrul Hamid Auditorium at Segunbagicha in the capital on Saturday (April 20).
The state minister said at this time that we want to create an excellent environment for journalism in Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a country that was born and became independent through the liberation war. The Liberation War pledges free media, an excellent environment for journalism, and freedom of expression. We want to ensure all the necessary materials for this, and through this, we believe that those who are on the side of the spirit of the Liberation War will benefit. Those who believe in extremism and militancy and stand against the anti-liberation war, non-communal spirit, are depoliticized by relying on false propaganda and misinformation.
He also said that at this time, we want to stop the flow of information. We want to bring the issues of providing accurate information under accountability and the Right to Information Act, which was passed by Parliament during the government of Bangabandhu’s daughter, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The right to information, which is guaranteed legally, we want to ensure more in practice. In this case, not only should laws be made, but cultural transformation should also be done in some cases. We are considering strengthening the Right to Information Act and making the Information Commission stronger and more effective through the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.
The state minister also said that the message that the government wants to give is that if information is sought, information must be given, and the officials are working with responsibility on behalf of the government and on behalf of the people. Therefore, we are trying to awaken the thought that it is mandatory for us to provide the information that people have the right to know. The government wants to provide information, because if there is no information, then there is an opportunity for disinformation.
He also said that those who are in the profession of journalism and fall into various kinds of financial problems are being tried to help them through the Journalist Welfare Trust. Our objectives will be journalism, mass media, free intellectual practice, and free journalism. If the government and authorities make mistakes, if they fail, they will be criticized.
The Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting also added that the government and journalists should work together to prevent the misinformation that is spread through false information. Because the free flow of information and constructive criticism are essential for democracy and for a country and society to move forward, similarly, misinformation leads society to the brink of destruction. Why we collectively have a responsibility, how we can prevent disinformation, and how we can ensure the free flow of information.
He further added that we have to prevent disinformation, but while preventing disinformation, we do not want to restrict the free flow of information, freedom of expression, or freedom of media. It is very important to strike a fine balance on how we can prevent disinformation while keeping the space for freedom of expression, free intellectual exercise for the sake of democracy, and freedom of the mass media intact.
He said that various organizations of journalists say the same thing: there is a need to bring some kind of discipline to media and journalism. In journalism, those who engage in unprofessionalism are the ones who do the most damage to real journalism. This matter comes from the journalists. Therefore, I want to move forward by consulting with people to bring some kind of order here.
The Minister of State for Information said that democracy, human rights, free intellectual practice, free media, and freedom of expression are part of the liberation war and its spirit. All this is part of our spirit of freedom, and the government led by Bangabandhu’s daughter, Sheikh Hasina, wants to ensure and protect it all. But there is an evil force in this society that cannot accept Bangladesh’s independence. They want to change the identity of Bangladesh. They are a society of darkness, as opposed to the slogan we created through the Liberation War in 1971—the sacrifice of three million martyrs, the sacrifice of lives, the struggle and sacrifice of millions of women—the slogan we created by liberating the country—a non-communal, democratic values country and society. Wants to create a militant-fundamentalist society. Our constant battle with this evil force of darkness. We must continue to fight against those who are enemies of democracy, enemies of freedom, and evil forces of society. Journalists will support the government in this fight.
Regarding the media worker law, the state minister said that instructions have been given to create a cell with two representatives from all journalist organizations to review the law. After discussion with the members of this cell, it will be finalized with their input. Then, as soon as possible, the law will be taken to the Parliamentary Standing Committee and later passed by the Parliament.
Later, the state minister answered various questions of the journalists.
Acting General Secretary of Dhaka Reporters Unity. Syed Shukur Ali Shubo, president of Dhaka Reporters Unity, moderated the program by Mizanur Rahman.
