Criticism shouldn’t hamper dev: PM

Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina urged journalists not to criticise the government in a way that hampers the country's advancement or creates any scope for the enemies to speak against the government, reports UNB.
"I've no objection if journalists criticise [the government], but my ardent request to you is that your criticisms shouldn't deter the country's advancement and give the enemies any scope to speak. Please, keep it in mind," she said.
The PM was speaking at a function at her office before distributing donation cheques among ailing and insolvent journalists and those injured in accidents and the family members of the deceased journalists.
Mentioning that her government has introduced the Eighth Wage Board for journalists, Hasina said the advertisement rate for those newspapers that implemented the recommendations of the Eighth Wage Board had been doubled.
In this connection, the PM said her government is closely monitoring those media outlets that are yet to implement the Eighth Wage Board. "We'll limit the facilities for those who will fail to implement the Wage Board award."
Sheikh Hasina said she does not fear or is not worried about criticisms as constructive criticisms often creates scopes for judging which is good or bad.
The PM, however, said her government's support for the journalists will continue despite their criticisms.
Reminding the journalists about the ethics of journalism, she said the news that assassinates the character of someone or any institution should not be broadcast, telecast and published in the media because once one's character is assassinated that cannot be regained through any rejoinder.