Media owners obstacle to freedom of expression: Gowher

Prime Minister’s International Affairs Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi has described the media outlet owners as a major obstacle towards exercising the freedom of expression in Bangladesh. ‘No one, including the state, has the right to suppress the freedom of expression of media and journalists. However, now the media outlet owners themselves are a major obstacle to exercising the freedom of expression,’ Gowher Rizvi said while addressing a programme in the city. Alleging that some quarters are using their media outlets as tools for creating incitement on religious issues, he stressed that media should follow ethics and self regulation. Speaking on the occasion, TIB Trustee Board Chairperson Sultana Kamal observed that there is no alternative to strengthening the media for a strong democracy, according to a news agency.