Govt tells TV stations to run 'positive news' on Bangladesh

The government has advised the private television stations not to run reports that might "instigate violence and acts of sabotage".

The owners have reportedly agreed to the suggestion made by senior ministers.

Five Cabinet members held a two-hour meeting with top station representatives on Thursday on the current political situation and the media's role.

They claimed Bangladesh's situation was "normal" and asked the TV stations to highlight it.

TV representatives said they had agreed to run 'positive reports' about Bangladesh.

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu, Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu, Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed, Water Resources Minister Anisul Islam Mahmud and State Minister for Home Affairs Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal took part in the 'views exchange' meeting.

After the meeting, Amu said the BNP and its allies were unleashing acts of terrorism in the name of agitation.

"But the people are not seeing the whole picture. They are not aware that trade and commerce and export - everything is running normal," he claimed.

Amu said the TV stations will have to highlight these issues apart from the fact that 50-60,000 vehicles are operating on Dhaka highways every day.

"[The television channels] have presented arson attacks on a couple of buses and trucks in a way which made people feel the country's situation was not normal. Make sure you present the correct information," the industries minister added.

He claimed the mediapersons were not aware of "many things".

"They have been convinced after we presented evidence on many things... We've agreed to present correct information to the people," he said.

Asked whether they had issued any directives for the TV stations, Amu said,"We had exchanged views here. We didn't give any directive but reached a consensus through discussion."

Blockade-related violence has left at least 30 people dead and several hundred vehicles damaged during the BNP-sponsored agitation since Jan 5.

Maasranga TV's Managing Director Anjan Chowdhury echoed Amu.

"We've agreed on some issues such as not to sensationalise acts of sabotage. We'll certainly never do anything that'd harm the country," he said.

Commerce Minister Tofail Ahmed emphasised "highlighting the truth".

"The situation in Bangladesh is normal apart from some acts of sabotage and terrorism. This'll be highlighted in the media much the same way the traffic jam on Dhaka's streets will be reported."

Representatives from most of the TV stations were present at the meeting.

Ekattor TV's Managing Director Mozammel Babu said the media would assist the government in combating acts of sabotage and militancy.

Information Minister Inu said they had sought the electronic media's assistance to tackle ongoing violence.

Baishakhi TV chief executive Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul said, "We've agreed not to confuse…violence with politics... We told them that we're in favour of healthy political practices and opposed to violence."

Information Secretary Martuza Ahmed said incorrect TV reports affected the people.

"News as old as 24 hours are being updated and run as fresh reports. If such old news are made 'fresh' in this manner, it will have a negative impact on the people," he said.