Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives (LGRD) State Minister Mir Shahe Alam yesterday said the government has ensured freedom of the press and remains open to constructive criticism from the media.
"Mass media is the mirror of society. While the government welcomes constructive criticism, journalists must also uphold professionalism and objectivity in reporting," he said while addressing a views-exchange meeting with local journalists at the Bogura Press Club.
Bogura City Corporation Administrator M R Islam Swadhin attended the event as a special guest.
Addressing recent criticism on social media over the use of rented bricks on a road in Bagbari area of Gabtali ahead of the prime minister's visit to Bogura, the state minister said the issue had been misrepresented.
"The bricks were temporarily laid on an unpaved road solely to ensure safe and smooth movement during the visit. The road was already included in an approved development project. After the visit, the temporary bricks were removed and permanent paving work commenced," he said, adding that no irregularities had occurred in the process.
During the programme, Mir Shahe Alam announced a special grant of Tk 1 crore for the development and modernisation of Bogura Press Club.
He said the allocation, to be provided on behalf of the prime minister, would be transferred to the club's fund shortly.
Highlighting the government's development plans for the district, the minister said a proposal for a new railway line over Bogura town is being prepared for submission to the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity.
He also said work is progressing on a four-lane bypass road in Gabtali, while the Bogura-Naogaon and Mokamtala-Joypurhat highways are being upgraded to six lanes.
The minister further said initiatives are underway to establish a multi-faculty international-standard university outside the town to meet the long-standing demand of local residents.
Plans are also in place to form the Bogura Development Authority (BDA) and Bogura Water Supply and Sewerage Authority (WASA) to ensure planned urban development and improved civic services, he added.
Speaking at the event, City Corporation Administrator M R Islam Swadhin said efforts were being made to transform the newly formed city corporation into a model urban centre through a comprehensive master plan.
"We are receiving full support from the Local Government Division in improving traffic management, waste disposal systems and drainage infrastructure. With cooperation from journalists and residents, we aim to build a cleaner and more livable Bogura," he said.
The meeting was presided over by Bogura Press Club President Rezaul Hasan Ranu and moderated by its General Secretary Kalam Azad.
Journalists from print, electronic and online media outlets attended the programme and shared their views on the district's overall development.
