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Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud has described press freedom as very essential element to build the democratic social system on a strong base.
"We live in a multidimensional, democratic, debate-oriented society. Press freedom is very essential to build the democratic social system on a strong base," he said while addressing the fresh publication ceremony of Dainik Desh Bartaman at the Jatiya Press Club in Dhaka on Sunday, reports BSS.
The minister said newspapers or any media are not for only presenting news or entertainment programmes rather a newspaper can open the third eye of the people or unearth many hidden issues.
Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary, said media can draw the attention of responsible officials about which society, state and government has no attention and it can give suggestions about what to do.
He said the extent of freedom the media enjoys in Bangladesh, the way it can freely write everything, is not possible in many developing countries of the world.
In many developed countries, media enjoys freedom as well as it also has to be responsible about their actions and publications, he mentioned.
Media has to pay fine or face punishment for making mistakes or presenting false news in those countries, he said.
The minister said there is no such instance so far in Bangladesh. Sometimes, Press Council rebuked some media as the council has no more power apart from rebuking.
"So, we need to ensure our concerted responsibility side by side press freedom," he said.
The information minister said a newspaper can also play a massive role in creating the thoughts of children, juveniles and youths.