Bangladesh needs powerful media, says German envoy

German Ambassador to Dhaka Thomas Prinz Thursday said Bangladesh needs independent and powerful media in the context of weak opposition party in the present democracy for check and balance.
He also emphasised on the government's actions to protect the bloggers.
The German envoy noted that textile and ready-made garment sector has improved tremendously after the Rana Plaza incident due to the initiatives taken by the government, but there is still lacking on the part of buyers in participation in the process.   
"It is important for Bangladesh to have independent media. Now it is important for the government to hold up the independence of media in the present situation, especially at the moment when the opposition is very weak," said Mr Prinz.
He made the comments while speaking at a launch and press conference   of Deutsche Welle (DW) television channel, which will broadcast news in English round the clock. DW organised the event at a city hotel.
DW underlined its dedication to serving television audience in Southeast Asia while presenting its new channel in Dhaka. The new DW features 24 hours of programming in English will focus on news and regional content for Asia.
Deutsche Welle (DW) is Germany's international broadcaster and a source for reliable news and information with content in 30 languages.
Referring to Bangladesh's long tradition of free media scene, Mr Prinz said new fronts of journalists are coming in Bangladesh like blogs. He said the government should uphold freedom of the press and protect this new media scene, especially bloggers.
"We have seen a number of attacks in recent times and we think the government should come out to protect these bloggers. I think Bangladesh has a very lively media scene," he said.
About the garment industry, the German envoy said working condition in RMG and textile sector has improved tremendously after Rana Plaza incident as the government has increased wage. But what is still lacking is the participation of buyers in this process.
"I think there is room for improvement here as product price is going down. Product price should be increased," he said. German's initiatives do not say for to improve the working condition in Bangladesh only. It does not make any sense, he added.
Dorothee Ulrichs, Head of Distribution Asia at DW, said, "The new DW opens a window to the world for our viewers in South Asia. DW offers a unique perspective that is especially valued by local business and opinion leaders and DW News will now provide them with in-sights into international headlines and the details behind regional issues."
DW's new channel is available on all major cable networks in Bangladesh including United Communication Services and the first-ever DTH platform in Bangladesh operated by Beximco Communications Ltd that will launch service at the beginning of 2016.
Along with DW News, the new channel features a variety of documentaries, talk shows and programme covering culture and lifestyle. Highlights include Euromaxx, Arts. 21, Tomorrow Today and Discover Germany.
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