Govt committed to journalists' welfare and media freedom: State Minister Yeasir
He noted that the government is working to ensure journalists' rights and welfare, adding that Bangladesh's democratic progress would be difficult to imagine without the contribution of media professionals
State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yeasir Khan Chowdhury has reaffirmed the government's commitment to journalists' welfare and media freedom, saying the press has played an indispensable role in establishing and strengthening democracy in Bangladesh.
Speaking as the chief guest at the inauguration of the new office of the Chattogram Metropolitan Union of Journalists (CMUJ) at the Chattogram Press Club today (5 June), the state minister said journalists have consistently contributed to democratic movements and struggles for rights by delivering information to the public and presenting the country's realities to the world.
He noted that the government is working to ensure journalists' rights and welfare, adding that Bangladesh's democratic progress would be difficult to imagine without the contribution of media professionals.
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While inaugurating the event, State Minister for Land and Chattogram Hill Tracts Affairs Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin described the media as the "people's parliament," saying it plays a vital role in highlighting public concerns, providing constructive criticism of government activities, and exposing social irregularities and corruption.
He said the government and media are complementary to each other, with objective journalism helping improve governance and enabling authorities to correct mistakes through constructive criticism.
He also pledged support for journalists' legitimate demands and called on Chattogram's journalists to work in unity.
On media freedom, Yeasir Khan Chowdhury said the government does not believe in interfering with news publication or broadcasting and supports the media's right to operate independently. However, he stressed the importance of objective and responsible journalism.
The state minister also highlighted challenges posed by artificial intelligence, misinformation and disinformation. While acknowledging the positive uses of AI, he warned that the technology is increasingly being misused to spread false information, manipulated images and fabricated videos, creating global concern.
To address these challenges, he said training programmes have been launched through the Department of Information at district and upazila levels to help journalists identify false information and use modern technologies more effectively. The initiative will gradually be expanded to cover journalists across the country.
Regarding unpaid salaries and benefits in media organisations, the state minister said media owners must play a more responsible role in ensuring journalists receive their rightful dues, adding that stronger financial security for journalists would contribute to a stronger media sector.
At the event, CMUJ President Mohammad Shahnewaz emphasised the importance of the media as the fourth pillar of the state and called for effective measures to safeguard journalists' professional rights, media freedom and welfare. He also urged journalists to remain united above divisions.
During the programme, CMUJ announced lifetime membership for Yeaser Khan Chowdhury and Mir Mohammed Helal Uddin. The event was attended by journalists, media workers, representatives of professional organisations and other guests.
