Dhaka Bureau: India is our tested friend in the struggle of the great liberation war, which we will never forget and media can play an important role in maintaining this sweet relationship between Bangladesh and India. Information and Broadcasting Minister while interacting with journalists at Press Club of India in New Delhi today Tuesday (November 01) evening. Dr. Hasan Mahmud said this. During this three-day visit, the minister earlier attended the functions of Kolkata Press Club and Indo-Bangla Press Club.
The Minister first visited the Bangabandhu Media Center inaugurated by him in September last year at the Press Club of India and paid tribute to the portrait of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman installed there. President Umakant Lakhera, general secretary Vinay Kumar and former president Gautam Lahiri along with journalists from various media joined the exchange of views. At this time Dr. Hassan emphasized on regional stability.
He said, we believe not only in ourselves but also in regional stability.
When reporters asked about the possibility of the Teesta river water distribution agreement, the Broadcasting Minister said that Bangladesh-India friendly relationship does not only depend on Teesta, there are many other issues. Our relationship is written in blood. We believe Teesta will be resolved.
In response to journalists’ questions about religious coexistence in Bangladesh, the information minister said, “Our government believes in equal rights for people of all religions.” There is no such thing as a minority in Bangladesh, we are all citizens of a free country.
Hasan Mahmud said, our government and party believe in non-sectarianism and harmony and bond among all types of people. In the biggest Durga Puja of the Hindu community, there are 7 thousand pujamandaps more than the previous year. Puja has been held in Bangladesh in a festive atmosphere across the country. The information minister expressed hope that the people of both countries will know all these things through the media and the mutual bond will become stronger.
Regarding the country’s media, Minister Hasan said that the current government under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina believes in free expression and freedom of speech. Media in Bangladesh is completely independent. Media workers enjoy freedom of expression in the media.
With an example, he said, the journey of the first private television in the country started with Bangabandhu’s hand. At one time there was no other television in Bangladesh except BTV, the state electronic broadcaster. There are over 40 private televisions under the current government. My ministry has at least 5000 online portal registration applications which is unimaginable.
