State Minister for Information Urges Balanced Media Coverage of Government Initiatives
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State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury has urged the media to adopt a more balanced approach by highlighting government achievements alongside reports of local-level political infractions. Speaking at an event in Dhaka on Tuesday, the minister argued that while minor criminal incidents involving opposition party members at the grassroots level frequently dominate headlines, significant national progress often goes unnoticed or receives minimal coverage.
The event, organized by the Bangladesh Association of Journalists (BAJ) to observe the “Black Day for Newspapers” on June 16, served as a platform for discussing the role of media in national development. Chowdhury cited the example of large-scale national youth sports competitions involving millions of students, which he claimed are rarely featured in mainstream press compared to the prominent coverage given to isolated political skirmishes.
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The minister suggested that if media outlets, including those with historical ties to former government officials, were to focus on the government’s constructive initiatives, the public would gain a more comprehensive understanding of the administration’s efforts. He characterized this shift in reporting as “courageous journalism” and called for closer cooperation between the government and the press to promote national interests and counteract fascism.
During the discussion, Professor Abdul Latif, former Vice-Chancellor of Patuakhali Science and Technology University, argued that the media is at a critical juncture requiring deep self-reflection. He advocated for sweeping reforms, including the elimination of corporate influence over editorial boards, the repeal of restrictive media laws, and a renewed commitment to journalistic independence, asserting that the ultimate loyalty of the press must remain with the public and the truth.
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Mahmudur Rahman, editor of the daily *Amar Desh*, expressed concern regarding the concentration of media ownership among a small, wealthy elite. He labeled these influential figures as “oligarchs,” arguing that they frequently operate media outlets primarily to serve their private interests rather than the public good.
The discussion, presided over by BAJ President M Abdullah, featured contributions from several prominent journalists and media leaders. The participants emphasized the need for structural changes within the industry to ensure that media houses remain objective, transparent, and resilient against political and financial pressure.
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