Dhaka Bureau: State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat said that if journalists encounter any problem anywhere in the country while practicing environmental journalism, we will take full cooperation and protection measures from the government. Environmental journalism is most needed now with changing climate conditions. Our stand is for environmental protection.
The state minister said these things while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion meeting organized by the National Press Club on the occasion of World Free Media Day on Saturday, May 4.
Jatiya Press Club President Farida Yasmin presided over the event, and Jatiya Press Club General Secretary Shyamal Dutta delivered the welcome address. Former President of the National Press Club Shaukat Mahmud, President of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists Omar Farooq, DCAB President Nurul Islam Hasib, and others also spoke.
The Minister of State for Information said that the government is in favor of environmental protection. Environmental journalism is much needed right now. Bangladesh is the least responsible for the effects of global climate change. However, more damage is being done. The big waste state is doing a lot of damage to the environment. Right now, Bangladesh needs energy development and progress. We believe in development and sustainable environmental management.
The state minister said that any media should have an institutional system for honest and courageous journalism and protection. We are trying in various ways to protect Pakistanis. We do not see any politics in cooperating with journalists. All are being supported by the Journalists Welfare Trust.
He also said that the Right to Information Commission is working for the free flow of information to journalists. Action has been taken regarding some recent negative incidents. There is a tendency for government officials to show reluctance to provide information when requested. This is how their mentality is developed. Initiatives are being taken to change this mentality. The more information we can give to the people, the more rumors and false information will stop.
Jatiya Press Club General Secretary Shyamal Dutta said that Biswas is facing various crises. The biggest crisis is the climate problem. It is feared that the destruction of sports in Bangladesh may sink due to climate change. At the moment, environmental journalism is also facing challenges. Journalists should publish reports highlighting the adverse effects of climate change.
He also said that 102 Palestinian journalists have been killed so far in the Palestine-Israel war. 36,000 people were killed, 70 percent of whom were women and children.
BRAC Climate Change Department Director Dr. presented the article at the event. Md. Liaquat Ali. Julhas Alam, member of the management committee of the National Press Club and convener of the seminar sub-committee, conducted the program.
