DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday said the present government formulated a broadcast policy and BNP-Jamaat is opposing it, but they would do policy tougher if assumes power.
The premier made the remarks when addressing audience after giving the aid allowances and donations to the ailing journalists at Karabi Hall of the Prime Minster’s Office in the morning.
Targeting the journalists, Hasina told, “We do welcome criticism, if there is something to criticize; but keep in mind, don’t cut that branch (of tree), which you sit on, you fall down then.”
Urging newspaper owners and businesspeople to move forward to help the Journalist Welfare Trust, the premier said “Journalists will also have to take initiatives in this regard, government will cooperate it, but better to try to be self-dependent instead of being dependant.”
“Once, journalists were tortured as per the order from Howa Bhaban, the country’s southern region was the danger spot for journalists but the situations have changed now; newspaper has been declared as industry, the journalists will get its benefit and the owners will get special consideration in importing different machineries,” she added.
Citing the 8th Wage Board’s announcement by the Awami League government, Hasina said, “The Ministry of Information will look after the implement of wage board; beside, government is trying to develop for film industry.”
“All will have to be aware so no social website can harm to the country and the society,” the PM added.
Criticizing the BNP, Hasina said, “People are being forced to pay the price for (BNP’s) political mistake through waging movement.”
She said, “Today, Bangladesh is going forward on way of development overcoming many obstacles, Bangladesh are the role model of development across the world; but they (BNP) did not like it. And, trial of war criminals are underway, they also do not like it.”
“Overcoming all obstacles, the country is becoming self-dependent and we will take the country at that position, we owned that belief,” Hasina said.
BDST: 1645 HRS, AUG 27, 2014
