Information and Broadcasting Minister Mohammad Ali Arafat today (January 25) said the government wants a rumour-free mass media to ensure the free flow of authentic information to hold authorities accountable.

He said at a meeting with Association of Television Channel Owners (ATCO) leaders at his ministry's conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat in the capital.

Arafat said, "We want disinformation and rumour free mass media along with ensuring full freedom of the press." 

The government wants to ensure the space for mass media to question and criticize the authorities and even the government, but it (criticism) must have to be based on factually correct information, Arafat said.

The mass media also must have a room for the government to reply to those questions and criticisms, he added.

In the meeting, the ATCO leaders placed different proposals for the expansion and betterment of the electronic media while the state minister assured them of taking realistic steps to this end.

DBC Chairman Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury proposed establishing a separate press council to regulate the electronic media like the Bangladesh Press Council.

Nagarik TV Director Nabidul Haque, Boishakhi TV Deputy Manager Titu Alam Milan and NTV Director Md Ashfaq Uddin Ahmed, among others, were present at the meeting.

BDST: 1905 HRS, JAN 25, 2024
MSK/SMS