Don\\\'t sensationalise violence news, govt tells TV channels

The government urged the private television channels Thursday to telecast the country's real situation and not to sensationalise any news on violence, reports UNB.

The request was made at a views-exchange meeting between the representatives of some private TV channels and some senior ministers with Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu at his ministry. Briefing reporters after the meeting, Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu said, "We've urged them to telecast the real situation and not to sensationalise news on violence."

He said the country's trade and businesses are normal despite the violence being carried out in the name of a movement. "Some 50-60 thousand vehicles are plying different roads and highways across the country every day but media is not aware of that," Amu said.

Asked if they have given any specific direction to the TV channels over news telecast, the Industrious Minister said, "No specific direction was given to them but we've urged them to telecast the real situation."

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Water Resources Minister Barrister Anisul Islam Mahmud, Maasranga TV managing director Anjan Chowdhury, Boishakhi TV chief editor and CEO Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, Mozammel Babu of Channel 71 and Ahmed Jubayer of Somoy TV were, among others, present at the meeting.

At the briefing, Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu said an open discussion was held with the representatives of some private TV channels as per previous schedule where they urged them to transmit the right information and telecast the country's real situation.