Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan on Monday (Jan 16) said the Bangladesh Pratidin, country’s highest-circulated vernacular daily, has changed the trend of journalism.

He made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest the correspondents’ conference of the newspaper on the East West Media Group Limited (EWMGL) premises in Bashundhara Residential Area in the capital.

“There was a time when negative news was the hot cake for newspapers. We’ve got rid of the trend. We now call a spade a spade. Bangladesh has gone a long way in the last 14 years. Now, we feel proud to be citizens of Bangladesh. The country is lauded across the globe. All are optimistic about a good future,” the renowned industrialist said.

About high estimation about Bangladesh abroad, he said China, Russia, the USA, India and other countries recognise Bangladesh’s tremendous development.

Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, however, regretted that some people of Bangladesh are skeptical about the socioeconomic progress of the country.

Citing the Bangladesh Bank governor, he said the country will overcome the dollar crisis as well as the economic impasse within 2-3 months. 

“However, vested interests are spreading rumours about the dollar crisis. They’re spreading rumours that remittance will be vanished if sent to Bangladesh. Some people may plot against the country and spread anti-state propaganda. But such campaigns should be protested. All Bangladeshi missions abroad should play a proactive role to dispel confusions created through the rumours.”

Calling upon all to be imbued with patriotism, the Bashundhara Group Chairman told journalists, “If the country survives, you’ll survive. If the country is in any crisis, our existence will be at stake. Political rights should be exercised in such a way so that economic activities of the country are not hampered.”

He said the modern world sees economic aggression, not military invasion.

Ahmed Akbar Sobhan urged journalists to contribute to branding the country. “The journalists are now in a better condition compared to the situation 14 years ago. Similarly, businessmen, farmers and others are also in a better condition.”

He said Bangladesh constructed the Padma Bridge with internal resources, Dhaka Metro Rail and other infrastructures. “We’ll have to brand those.”

The Bashundhara Group Chairman said some newspapers have teamed up with conspirators to launch anti-state propaganda, underscoring the need for establishing mechanism to regulate YouTube and other social media platforms. “Vested interests are hatching conspiracies against the country. Some newspapers use their mandate to implement the blueprint. We can’t sacrifice the interests of the country and 20 crore people no matter whoever comes to power.”

Bangladesh Pratidin Editor Naem Nizam said their daily has now become an international newspaper having publication from London and New York.

Terming Bangladesh Pratidin a newspaper of the mass people, he said, “We’re doing journalism to serve the people, society and country.”

Kaler Kantho Editor-in-Chief Imdadul Haq Milan said he is optimistic about better future of the Bangladesh Pratidin. “Every organisation of Bashundhara Group gets towering success. All newspapers and TV channels of this largest corporate house are doing excellent. Let’s work sincerely to uphold our position,” he said.

Daily Sun Editor Enamul Hoque Chowdhury called upon journalists to do objective journalism to uphold the great image of Bashundhara Group. “Bashundhara Group is the largest business conglomerate of the country. The Bangladesh Pratidin is also the highest-circulated national daily. So, your work and behaviour should be accordingly.”

Kaler Kantho Editor Shahed Mohammad Ali, Bangladesh Pratidin Executive Editor Abu Taher and senior journalists of media outlets owned by Bashundhara Group were present.

Correspondents of the Bangladesh Pratidin from 64 districts attended the conference.

BDST: 2152 HRS, JAN 16, 2023
MSK