Dhaka: Adviser to the ministries of Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs, Sharmeen S Murshid, today underscored the importance of objectivity, truthfulness, and informative value in journalism, describing it as a sacred duty and a trust placed by the people. She highlighted the need for disseminating information that is objective, logical, and backed by scientific analysis, emphasizing the role of courage in this pursuit.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the adviser made these remarks at the inauguration ceremony of the online portal ‘Bangla Edition’ in a city hotel. Sharmeen expressed concern about the declining standards of bold, objective, and honest journalism within the country’s media environment. She voiced optimism that the Bangla Edition news portal would usher in a new era of integrity and excellence in news presentation.
At the event, Bangla Edition Chairman and journalist-columnist Elias Hossain, journalist-columnist Kanak Sarwar, and writer, activist, and social thinker Pinaki Bhattacharya addressed the audience via an online platform. The ceremony was attended by family members of the martyrs and injured from the July Mass Uprising, senior leaders of the BNP and Jamaat-e-Islami, media personalities, and representatives of civil society.
Sharmeen S Murshid articulated her belief that the Bangla Edition online portal would unveil a courageous new voice in journalism, where truth, technology, objectivity, integrity, depth, and cultural engagement would be celebrated. She emphasized the need to end yellow journalism and expressed hope that the launch of Bangla Edition would signal a new chapter in journalism. She urged that history should not be distorted and its integrity should be protected.
In her remarks, she also commented on the idea of an interim government, highlighting the temporary nature of office and stressing the importance of respectful transitions. She paid tribute to those who led the country forward during the 2024 Mass Uprising and the martyrs of July on the occasion of Martyrs’ Day – 2025, a National Day of Mourning, on July 16. Additionally, she offered prayers for the recovery of the injured July warriors.
Later in the afternoon, the adviser participated in a prayer and discussion session organized by the Ministries of Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs, held in the ministry’s conference room in observance of Martyrs’ Day – 2025. Special prayers were conducted for the martyrs and the injured, with the presence of senior officials, including the Senior Secretary to the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Mamtaz Ahmed and Social Welfare Secretary Dr. Md. Mohiuddin.