Dhaka: The first meeting of the Standing Committee on the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of the 13th National Parliament was held today at the National Parliament Building. BNP Standing Committee Member Md. Aman Ullah Aman chaired the meeting. An introductory session was held at the outset, said a press release.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the meeting stressed the need to ensure greater accountability and transparency in the activities of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. Participants called for renewed efforts to carry out the ministry's responsibilities after overcoming various stigmas associated with the past 17 years.
The meeting also highlighted the contributions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia in ensuring freedom of journalists. Participants expressed concern over a growing culture of abusive language in politics over the past two years, saying such practices were unacceptable.
They said that the Cyber Security Act could play an effective role in preventing such activities. They also called on all stakeholders to act responsibly to combat misinformation and disinformation on social media. The meeting emphasized that everyone has the right to express their views freely and recognized the National Press Club as an important platform for journalists to exercise their freedom of expression and professional rights.
The participants called for necessary reforms and renovation of the National Press Club. They also stressed the need to modernize and improve the Press Club auditorium to make it more attractive and suitable for contemporary needs.
Information and Broadcasting Minister Barrister Andaleeve Rahman, State Minister Yasser Khan Choudhury and committee members Ashraf Uddin, MP; Mostafizur Rahman Babu, MP; Majibur Rahman, MP; Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, MP; Fahmida Haque, MP; Shafiqul Islam, MP and Nazmun Nahar, MP attended the meeting. Information and Broadcasting ministry secretary, directors general of various departments under the ministry, heads of relevant agencies, senior officials and concerned officials of the National Parliament Secretariat were also present.