Freedom of media needed for society based on equity

Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said on Friday the freedom of media is needed to build an equity-based society in the country, report agencies.
The minister made the remark while speaking at a programme organised by Bangladesh Press Council at its auditorium in the city, marking 'Bangladesh Press Council Day'.
Hasan said the media grew exponentially over the last 11 years and is facing many challenges. "Fake news creates chaos in society and journalists should be careful in this regard," the minister said.
He called upon BPC members to prepare a work plan to bring discipline in media and ensure objective journalism.
Information Secretary Kamrun Nahar said Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman established BPC on February 14, 1974 by enacting the Bangladesh Press Council Act to protect press freedom and improve its standard.
"Yellow journalism should be avoided for the sake of the society," she said.
Many consider the social media as mass media but it is an un-edited platform, not a medium, he said, adding that many start to introduce themselves as journalists by holding cards of online portals but they are not journalists at all.
He said media is now enjoying absolute freedom but it should function in such a way that the freedom of others is not hampered.
About the Press Council, the information minister said Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had passed the Press Council Act, 1974 and then the Bangladesh Press Council was formed aiming to flourish media in the country.
Like the Press Council Act, 1974, he said, Bangabandhu enacted many laws in his tenure to advance the nation.
Dr Hasan said Bangladesh is now a role model of development under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.