Dhaka: The main task of journalism is to question power, Prime Minister's Political Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon stated, emphasizing that an independent and institutionalized media is essential for state reform. He highlighted that for an elected and democratic government, questions serve as an asset, enhancing government accountability and transparency to the public.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Swapon made these remarks during a discussion organized to mark the 43rd founding anniversary of Daily Janata at the Jatiya Press Club. He underlined the importance of a media that presents a plurality of views and provides objective information, which he described as the foundation of an independent media. The government, he assured, is ready to offer policy support to strengthen and institutionalize the media sector while safeguarding the interests of all those involved with newspapers.
Swapon reiterated the significance of institutionalizing the media as the fourth pillar of the state, noting that the government, led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is committed to state reform that requires the active cooperation of the media. He called for a robust media sector to support the success of the 'New Bangladesh' and the state reform programs. The government, he added, would ensure policy support so that newspaper owners can invest safely and profitably in the industry, while also protecting the interests of editors, journalists, and printing press workers.
Addressing the power and energy crisis, Swapon attributed the country's fragile economy to the previous government's 17-year-long energy policies, unplanned projects, and corruption. He expressed the current government's commitment to overcoming these inherited crises. He further noted that the people have confidence in the BNP and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to resolve these issues and mitigate the adverse effects of the previous regime.
In his concluding remarks on the media's role, Swapon urged vigilance to prevent supporters of the previous government from exploiting the media under the guise of constructive criticism.