Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, during a meeting with members of the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (NOAB), expressed his government’s strong stance on ensuring press freedom.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the Prime Minister emphasized his government’s belief in press freedom and affirmed a firm stance in favor of it. This was conveyed by his Additional Secretary, Atikur Rahman Rumon, who reported that the Prime Minister regularly engages with media content, keeping track of the country’s portrayal and issuing instructions to relevant authorities when necessary.
The Prime Minister was attentive to the views of NOAB members, committing to regular meetings with them. The meeting took place in the Cabinet Division conference room at the Secretariat, lasting from 2:20 pm to around 3:30 pm, followed by a lunch and group photo with NOAB members.
This marked the first formal meeting with NOAB after the BNP government was formed. NOAB President and Manab Zamin Editor-in-Chief Matiur Rahman Chowdhury initiated the meeting, addressing challenges in the newspaper industry and seeking the Prime Minister’s cooperation.
NOAB members congratulated the BNP on its electoral victory and Tarique Rahman on his new role as Prime Minister. They recalled the newspaper industry’s recognition as an industry during the BNP government in 2001 and highlighted its current struggles.
Additional Press Secretary Rumon noted that NOAB members raised concerns about unpaid government advertisement bills from previous administrations and sought the Prime Minister’s assistance. They also recommended regular quarterly meetings between the government and newspaper owners.
The NOAB delegation also brought up issues concerning cases filed against journalists and the arrest of journalists during the interim government period, requesting the Prime Minister’s help in withdrawing cases and securing bail for those detained.
The meeting was attended by NOAB Vice-President ASM Shahidullah Khan, Treasurer Altamash Kabir, and several other prominent editors and publishers. Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon, State Minister Yeaser Khan Choudhury, and other high-ranking officials were also present.