Press adviser urges ethical journalism, rejects misinformation.
Prime Minister's Additional Press Secretary Atikur Rahman Ruman today called upon journalists to refrain from unethical journalism and spreading misinformation.
“BNP government believes in the freedom of the press. But some journalists especially some mobile journalists are carrying out various kinds of misinformation. I urge them to refrain from such kind of unethical journalism”, he said.
Ruman made the remarks while addressing a press conference organised by Prime Minister’s Press Wing at Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) today, marking completion of five months of the government.
Referring to repeated interventions in the media during the Awami League's 17-year misrule, Ruman said, “During the misrule of the last 17/18 years, we have seen various interventions in our newspapers and different black laws. But our BNP government and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman believe in the freedom of the press.”
He said, “Over the last five months, you, journalists, have enjoyed the level of the freedom that the press should have. Since the present government assumed office, the media have been operating independently with full freedom.
“But, unfortunately, it is true that some journalists are engaged in unethical practices. Such activities are being carried out under the guise of independent news reporting,” he said, adding that, “I hope those who are involved in such journalism will refrain from doing so.”
Referring to a recent student movement, Ruman said, “I closely monitored the situation and once, I was told that around 15 students had gathered in Uttara. However, a video later showed 25 to 30 people.
“After checking their identity cards, I was informed that only 15 were actual students, while the others were mobile journalists.
You can understand from this how the protesters were instigated through unethical journalism. I condemn this incident,” he added.
Ruman said, “Our government is only five months old. Over the past 17 years, the previous government left the country burdened with debt and rendered many agencies and institutions ineffective.
It will take a long time to restore them. If the present government is not even given five months, how can these problems will be addressed?”
Ruman added, “I say again, please do not get hurt. We are your own people. We were with you, we are with you, and, Insha'Allah, we will remain with you.”
Prime Minister's Adviser and PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin and Press Secretary AAM Saleh Shibly highlighted the government's various achievements and activities over the past five months.
The press conference was moderated by PM’s Deputy Press Secretary Jahidul Islam Rony.
PM’s Script Writer Mahfuzur Rahman and other members of Press Wing were.
