Dhaka: Prime Minister's Press Secretary Saleh Shibly stated on Thursday that the government remains committed to ensuring complete media freedom, but emphasized that such freedom should not be interpreted as 'arbitrariness.' He clarified that the limits of media freedom should not be set by the government or individuals, but rather by the judiciary, which holds the final authority.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Shibly made these comments during the 'Meet the Reporters' event organized by the Dhaka Reporters Unity. He highlighted the responsibility of media professionals to understand that freedom does not equate to writing indiscriminately. He affirmed that the Bangladesh government supports press and media freedom, but cautioned against taking an arbitrary approach. Shibly stressed the importance of responsible journalism, especially given that approximately 7 crore people in Bangladesh use the internet, allowing anyone to write anything against others.
He noted the growing trend of writing against individuals out of personal dislike, describing it as an 'epidemic.' Shibly urged media personnel, including those in mobile journalism, citizen journalism, newspapers, and television, to adopt regular fact-checking measures. He proposed that media outlets host short fact-checking segments or publish reports that verify the truthfulness of daily information.
Shibly reiterated that while debates about the boundaries of freedom are valid, it is the courts, not individuals or the government, that should define these limits. He emphasized that the current government, under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, is committed to ensuring the independence of all institutions, including the judiciary.
Additionally, Shibly called for an assessment of whether media owners have the capability to run their organizations while fulfilling their financial obligations to employees. He also warned against the spread of misinformation by unregistered online portals.
The press secretary described the Prime Minister's commitment to discipline, noting the implementation of a digital system to track officials' attendance. Shibly illustrated that the Prime Minister himself adheres to this system to set an example.
On the economic front, Shibly mentioned that Bangladesh, having started from a fragile economic position, is progressing towards recovery and has become a stable destination for foreign investment. He acknowledged the diversity of political opinions in Bangladesh, stating that not everyone is expected to support the government.
Lastly, Shibly emphasized the government's focus on establishing human dignity and ensuring legal accountability without political persecution. He reiterated that the government under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman aspires to create an inclusive Bangladesh that respects individual rights and opinions.