Govt will not limit press freedom: Press secretary

Chief Adviser's Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam has said the interim government will not limit the freedom of press, "not even by an inch."

"This government did not and will not intervene with the works of journalists or media. The purpose of our government is free media and independent journalism," Shafiqul said at a discussion programme today (14 December) on the role of media in building a new Bangladesh held at Dhaka Reporters' Unity by Mastul Foundation.

Stating that the interim government believes in independent journalism, Shafiqul said, "We did not prevent anyone in the last four months. Please keep on writing. Show us our mistakes.

"A kind of blindness prevails while in power, and many things cannot be understood. This is why please take the responsibility and show us our mistakes," he added.

The press secretary also said the Media Reform Commission is working and the interim government wants to take media to new heights based on their report.

During his speech, Shafiqul said the government wants to ensure that media owners do not suppress their journalists' voices.

"The media owners had sent their journalists without protective gear when indiscriminate gunshots were being fired at the protesters during the mass uprising. Institutions like DRU and the Press Club should protest about this," he added.

"Although we did not get injured, we were traumatised during the movement. Everything was done to keep our mouths shut. Some people among us even indulged in patronising and received numerous perks, including Rajuk plots and other benefits," the press secretary added.

During the event, Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad said, "Efforts are underway by the media of the neighbouring nation to create instability in Bangladesh. They are publishing false, made-up news. Our local media have to play the highest role against this."