I have just witnessed a turning point, says Information Minister Inu

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu has underscored the need for ‘objectivity and ethics’ in media publications to help institutionalise democracy.

At a programme on Tuesday, the minister noted that bdnews24.com was working in this regard despite challenges.

The programme was organised at the news portal’s office to mark the formal launch of ‘Turning Points’, an annual magazine published by bdnews24.com in collaboration with The New York Times News Service.

“We don’t want to see undemocratic practices in Bangladesh. We don’t want an undemocratic government, either. We want to see neither military intervention as in the past nor a government that supports communalism,” he said.

“In such a scenario, to help institutionalise democracy in Bangladesh, we need social accountability along with ‘objectivity and ethics’ in media publications.”

“The media has certain responsibilities. It is accountable to the history of this country, the honour of women, the security of children, the security of national and economic institutions and every individual’s right to privacy,” Inu pointed out.

“To do objective reporting while keeping in mind all these responsibilities and moral values is a challenge. But bdnews24.com has been successfully taking up this challenge for the past ten years. For this, I would like to thank and congratulate them.”

The minister termed the publication of ‘Turning Points 2016’ by bdnews24.com in collaboration with The New York Times News Service a “great” occasion.

“I have come here to witness a turning point. I think it is a rare honour for our media that an institution like The New York Times has decided to work together with a media house in Bangladesh,” Inu said.

He said, "This joint publication proves that all the media in the country enjoy complete freedom.”  

Alluding to the 165-year-long history of The New York Times, the minister said, “This newspaper has earned recognition around the world for its objectivity, ethics and truthfulness.”

“bdnews24.com has also crossed almost 10 years upholding similar values. They maintain objectivity and very carefully follow the issues of ethics,” the minister added.

For a democratic environment to be developed, the minister stressed the need for the media and democratic forces to work together.

He said it was imperative that the media and democratic forces work in tandem to push back the undesirable elements of the past.

“It’s a welcome development that in Bangladesh, the media and democratic forces are taking a strong stand, alongside each other, against the detritus of the past,” the minister added.

The programme, which was moderated by bdnews24.com Editor-in-Chief Toufique Imrose Khalidi, was attended, among others, by Amir Khosru Mahmud Chowdhury, an advisor to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia and former commerce minister; Sarah Begum Kabori, a reputed film star of yesteryears and a former MP; Mahjabeen Khaled, MP, and Anwar-ul-Alam Chowdhury Parvez, a former president of BGMEA.

Among the ‘Turning Points’ contributors, Khushi Kabir, a leading rights activist and Bangladesh coordinator for One Billion Rising; Selima Ahmad, President of the Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry; bdnews24.com's Contributing Editor Afsan Chowdhury, and Kamal Quadir, CEO of bKash, were also present.