State Minister of Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat has said journalism profession should have some accountabilities for checking misinformation.
He said, "The main task of the mass media and journalism is to make the government accountable and to find out the social inconsistencies. However, sometimes yellow journalism takes place."
"The profession that aims to bring all other sectors under accountability should have some accountabilities," opined he.
The information minister came up with the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a programme organised by Bangladesh Press Council at Tottho Bhoban in the city on Wednesday, marking the 50th founding anniversary of the council.
Justice Md Nizamul Huq Nasim, chairman of the Bangladesh Press Council, presided over the programme while Director General of the Department of Films and Publications SM Golam Kibria, Press Council's Secretary Shyamol Chandra Karmakar, among others, spoke at the programme.
The state minister further said, "We welcome constructive criticism. But if any quarter wants to make any ill efforts by misusing the media, which evidence is available in different documents, I think Bangladesh Press Council can play an important role in this regard."
Justice Nasim said they have proposed to bring amendment to the relevant law keeping provision that the persons who will enter journalism profession in coming days should have the graduation degree at least. However, the journalists working in different media outlets do not need to comply with the proposed provision, he added.
SM Golam Kibria said requirement of having minimum educational qualification for the publisher of the newspaper is not mentioned in the law. An amendment should be brought in the law regarding the issue.
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