State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury today said when the media objectively and positively reflects or highlights the government’s various development activities, it provides additional motivation to continue working.

He made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists at a weekly briefing on the progress of various government activities held at the conference room of the Press Information Department (PID) at the Secretariat.

Highlighting the role of the media, Yasser said over the past six months, no one from the intelligence agencies has called the media to interfere in any news, nor has there been any extrajudicial killing with government backing. 

“When these positive changes are highlighted in the media, the government and we personally feel encouraged to work. When you highlight the good work, we can further improve the pace and quality of our activities,” he said.

Reiterating the government’s clear position on media freedom, the state minister said, “We have said in the past that everyone has the freedom to speak against or criticize the government. This freedom will continue in the future as well. However, it is important to understand the distinction between the government and the state. It is not appropriate to publish any news or comments that go against the state or constitute sedition.”

Regarding reforms in government media, he said a decision has been taken to ensure proportional coverage of the views and news of opposition parties both inside and outside the Jatiya Sangsad on Bangladesh Television (BTV) and other government-run media, rather than focusing only on the government or lawmakers from the ruling party. 

Instructions have been issued to implement the decision, he said.

Regarding ensuring the welfare of journalists, the state minister said a proposal to double grants from the Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust has already been sent to the Ministry of Finance. 

In addition, Tk 1 crore has been transferred to assist sick and financially disadvantaged journalists, which will be distributed shortly, he said.

Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman, Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Dr Zahed Ur Rahman, Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana, and Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed were present at the press conference.