Dhaka: Dhaka South City Corporation (DSCC) Administrator Abdus Salam on Saturday urged journalists to criticise the government's mistakes and shortcomings, but also provide positive suggestions to help the country move forward without creating unnecessary obstacles to its functioning. 'The government's mistakes and shortcomings should be criticised, but alongside criticism, positive suggestions should be given so that the country can move forward without creating unnecessary obstacles to the government's journey,' he said.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Abdus Salam made the remarks as the chief guest at a programme organised at the IDB Bhaban in Kakrail in the capital on the occasion of the fifth founding anniversary of The Daily Bangladesh Diary. He emphasised that journalism is an integral part of society and newspapers are regarded as the fourth estate of the state. Highlighting the responsibilities of journalists, he noted their unforgettable role in various movements, including the Liberation War, and their role in guiding society by highlighting irregularities and shortcomings.
Referring to the Liberation War, Abdus Salam mentioned that more than 50 years have passed since independence, yet the country has not reached its desired destination. He pointed out that one of the main objectives of the Liberation War was to institutionalise democracy and establish people's rights, but democracy has faced repeated challenges. He stressed the importance of maintaining awareness to ensure the country does not deviate from the path of democracy.
Addressing journalists, Salam underscored the necessity of positive criticism to aid the country's progress. He cautioned against creating unnecessary obstacles for the government and suggested providing constructive solutions to issues such as electricity and gas shortages, which cannot be resolved within a short span of time.
Discussing urban management in Dhaka, Salam noted the disarray in the city management system when he assumed responsibility. He identified longstanding issues like battery-run rickshaws, hawkers, and waterlogging, particularly in Old Dhaka and areas like Dhanmondi, New Market, and Green Road. Salam shared plans to divide the DSCC area into zones to control rickshaw movement and explore the use of solar power for charging rickshaw batteries.
He also urged citizens to participate in dengue prevention efforts, emphasizing that the three-month programme requires collective action. Salam called for cleanliness in homes and public spaces to prevent stagnant water and highlighted the importance of planting trees to protect the environment. He appealed to journalists, editors, and newspaper owners to contribute to raising public awareness, envisioning a cleaner and greener Dhaka if everyone works together.