Dhaka:State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasir Khan Chowdhury today acknowledged extensive media coverage on 'haors' or wetlands as part of government efforts to address issues related to wetlands, which serve as critical pillars for Bangladesh's ecology, economy, and food security.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chowdhury responded to a question stating that mainstream media outlets, including the state-run BSS news agency, have been carrying extensive reports and documentaries on oxbow lakes and backswamps, known as 'haors' and 'baors', supplementing government efforts for their conservation and development.
Independent lawmaker Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Iqbal of Kishoreganj raised the question at the Jatiya Sangsad, prompting the junior minister to comment on the media's national-level coverage of the lifestyle, agriculture, fisheries resources, natural environment, and tourism potential of the haor regions. The government plans to expand these initiatives further, as conveyed by Yasir on behalf of Information and Broadcasting Minister Andalib Rahman.
Yasir highlighted various initiatives being undertaken through public media outlets to emphasize the development activities, agricultural potential, and tourism infrastructure of the haor regions both domestically and internationally. The government also plans to develop new programs on haor tourism and broadcast special environmental programs focusing on haor ecosystem conservation.
Yasir informed the House that Bangladesh Television (BTV) was broadcasting a documentary titled 'Banglar Protichchhobi (Nikli)', showcasing the lifestyle of significant haor areas, including Nikli and Bajitpur in Kishoreganj. Additionally, Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) has appointed a haor correspondent and a district correspondent stationed in Kishoreganj to cover and disseminate stories about the lifestyle, local issues, agriculture, fisheries resources, and natural environment of the haor regions.
Chowdhury noted that the mainstream national media were covering the issues of the once-neglected wetlands and the problems faced by marginalized communities without discrimination. However, he pointed out that geographical remoteness, communication problems, technological infrastructure, and seasonal challenges sometimes hinder media access to the region. Additionally, significant national and international issues frequently overshadow haor issues in the media.
In response to the question, Yasir mentioned that the government currently has no specific plan to establish a 'Haor Publicity Cell', but the proposal might be considered in the future based on practical needs and circumstances.