Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman Partho said the media now enjoys complete freedom also urging journalists to work without fear while upholding ethical responsibility.
Speaking at an exchange meeting with journalists at Bhola Press Club on Thursday, Partho called media a pillar of democracy tasked with holding power accountable. He stressed that while laws can't make people better and journalists must ethically avoid half-truths or reporting that damages someone's life, career or dignity.
He said he had never interfered with media outlets, adding that no amount of media backing could sustain power without divine will citing the fall of the previous "fascist regime" as proof that public support can vanish overnight. He acknowledged past pressure on journalists also saying he once had the power to threaten their jobs but wants to move away from such practices.
On cyberbullying, Partho said it has eroded trust in online news with the public now doubting even accurate reporting due to widespread misinformation.
He urged journalists to freely criticize the government's work and report honestly on whether allocations and projects are being properly implemented also asking only that criticism be free of malice or personal grudges.
The meeting was presided over by Bhola Press Club President Advocate Nazrul Haque Anu, with general secretary Nasir Uddin Liton also speaking. Attendees included Superintendent of Police Shamim Rahman, BNP district member secretary Shahidullah Kaushar, BJP district president Raisul Alam, Islami Andolan district president Amirul Islam Ratan, Jamaat-e-Islami's Maulana Ataur Rahman and Zia Ul Morshed Chowdhury, Daily Ajker Bhola editor Shawkat Hossain, veteran journalist MA Taher and other local journalists.
