DHAKA: Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Nahid Islam today stated that there is no government pressure on the mass media, emphasizing that the country's media should focus on delivering objective news with courage, leveraging the prevailing freedom of expression. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Nahid highlighted the issue of misinformation and rumors misleading people due to the lack of dissemination of correct information. He urged the mass media to play a pivotal role in countering rumors and spreading accurate news, during a meeting with newspaper editors at his ministry. He also acknowledged the media's role during the anti-discrimination movement and encouraged editors to cover stories on the sacrifices of martyrs and those injured during the students-people mass uprising. Nahid emphasized the importance of media in keeping the memories of these individuals alive. Criticizing the previous fascist government, Nahid noted that the media faced restrictions in publishing the truth out of f ear, a situation which has now changed. He urged journalists to report on the misdeeds, including enforced disappearances and corruption, of the former government. Nahid welcomed constructive criticism of the interim government, asserting that it believes in media freedom. He expressed the government's expectation that media would effectively inform the public with correct information. Nahid also mentioned the formation of a commission to reform the mass media, with changes to be implemented based on its report. During the meeting, editors acknowledged the absence of government interference in mass media, viewing it as a positive sign for journalism freedom. Present at the meeting were Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana, Department of Films and Publication Director General Abul Kalam Mohammad Shamsuddin, and Bangladesh Journalist Welfare Trust Managing Director Muhammad Abdullah, among others.
