Newspaper sector declared industry

The government has declared the newspaper sector as an industry separating it from the service sector in an effort to ensure a stronger and vibrant media industry in the country. Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu made the declaration on Tuesday at a meeting with leaders of the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (Noab) at his office at Shilpa Bhaban in the city. The Industries Minister said that the newspaper industry has played an important role in reestablishing democracy. He said the government has taken the decision considering the longstanding demand of the newspapers’ owners. “I hope, through this initiative, a powerful newspaper industry will emerge in the country.” Noab President Mahbubul Alam, Financial Express Editor Moazzem Hossain, Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Somokal publisher AK Azad, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, New Age editorial board Chairman Shahidullah Khan, News Today Editor Reazuddin Ahmed and additional Industries Secretary M Forhad Uddin were present. The owners at the meeting urged the minister to ensure relevant facilities through publishing a gazette in this regard, according to private TV channels.