Dhaka, (Barta24.com): Information Minister Dr. Hassan Mahmud differed with the reports by Paris based International Organization Reporters San Borders (RSF) which said that in Bangladesh the freedom of media indicator lowered down four stages.
On the contrary Dr. Hassan Mahmud said that in Bangladesh the media is working freely without any interference or censorship.
He claimed this in a function organized in connection with Ruposhi Bangla Photo Exhibition and competition and certificate award session held at national photo archive of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy on Friday (April 19). The function was organized jointly by Bangladesh Photo Journalist Association and Shilpakala Academy.
Among the ten top countries there are also the Netherlands and Belgium. I have studied in Belgium and stayed there for a long time. If any newspaper publishes wrong news they are imposed fine including many other preventive measures and face accountability charges. Oldest news paper of the world of England, News of the World had to face fine for publishing wrong news which they could not pay. The authority shut down the news paper. So I do not accept this ranking. If any other organization carries the survey it might be seen that we have progressed upward four stages.
He further said that in Bangladesh the media is working freely and independently. The media has flourished than before resulting the number of news papers has doubled in last ten years. The number of TV channels have been tripled. No news is publicized through any censorship. Government has taken several measures to ensure the freedom of media and more will be done for the media freedom.
Regarding release of BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, the Minister said that the government is not in such danger that Khaleda Zia shall have to grant parole or release. She is convicted by the court so only the legal procedure is the way for her release. Regarding parole he said that if she applies then the government can consider. The authority cannot grant parole of its own. I don’t know why the BNP men are telling all these unnecessary talks.
The function was also attended by State Minister for Shipping Khalid Mahmud Choudhury, Secretary in charge of Jatyio Press Club Saiful Islam, president of Bangladesh Photo Journalist Association Golam Mostofa and Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Liaquat Ali Lucky.