Dhaka: State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yeaser Khan Choudhury affirmed on Monday that the government has no intention of controlling the media, ensuring its continued independence in the country. “We do not want to control the media, we have no intention to control the media, and we will not control the media. Media will remain free,” Choudhury stated during a ‘BSRF Dialogue’ organised by the Bangladesh Secretariat Reporters Forum (BSRF) at the Secretariat Media Centre.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Choudhury addressed concerns regarding the creation of a fear-free environment for journalism. In response to a journalist’s inquiry, he questioned whether reporters still felt afraid, asserting that the situation had evolved compared to the past. He highlighted the government’s stance over the past two months, demonstrating its commitment to media freedom, and reiterated the Prime Minister’s clear policy that media will not be controlled in any form.
Choudhury expressed a desire to leverage his experience in the ministry for positive contributions and sought cooperation, suggestions, and constructive criticism from journalists. He emphasized the importance of media professionals pointing out mistakes in a manner that benefits both the media and the people of Bangladesh, advocating for constructive engagement.
The state minister also noted that the government is focused on moving forward rather than dwelling on past issues, with a vision of building a modern and orderly Bangladesh. He underscored the need to prevent obscenity and moral degradation in media, stating that the government will work to promote ethical standards across television, online platforms, and other media outlets.
Choudhury called on journalists to help highlight moral values and strengthen ethical messaging through various media platforms, assuring that the ministry would make sincere efforts in this direction. The event was chaired by BSRF President Masudul Hoque and moderated by General Secretary Ubaydullah Badal, with Chief Information Officer Yakub Ali also in attendance.