Staff Reporter: Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League (AL) Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud today said the freedom of press and the expansion of media in Bangladesh are examples for other developing countries. “We believe in free media, we believe in media freedom. The mass media hasn’t expanded in many neighboring countries and doesn’t enjoy such unfettered freedom,” he said at a discussion in the Jatiya Press Club (JPC) here as the chief guest.The JPC organized the discussion titled ‘Role of Mass Media in Protecting Human Rights and Expanding Democracy’, marking the World Press Freedom Day with its President Farida Yasmin in the chair. Dainik Jugantor Editor Saiful Alam, Dainik Samakal Editor Mozammel Hossain, senior journalist Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul and JPC Joint Secretary Md Ayub Bhuiyan also spoke at the event.
Dr Hasan said if there is the responsibility with freedom, mass media can operate properly. But if the freedom is exercised avoiding responsibility, then in many cases the society as well as the state is harmed, he added.The mass media is the fourth pillar of the state and democracy and the mass media are complement to each other, he said, adding: “Without freedom and transparency of media, democracy can never be operative and democratic social system cannot survive. Therefore, freedom of media and freedom of expression are definitely necessary to consolidate the democracy”.
