Government has no intention to interfere in media, says Andaleeve Rahman

Information Minister Andaleeve Rahman has pledged that the authorities will not interfere in newsroom operations, crediting the press with keeping Bangladesh’s democracy alive.

At the 31st anniversary event of the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) on Thursday, he assured reporters that the government would stand by the press rather than gag it.

He told the gathering that the country owes its current democratic standing directly to news outlets, adding that the prime minister believes collective effort will build the nation's dream future.

At the same event, BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said true press freedom demands that journalists risk everything to report unvarnished facts after thorough verification.

He drew a sharp distinction between mainstream media and social networks, pointing out that professional newsrooms rely on reporters and editors to filter stories.

Social platforms “lack” editorial oversight, he said, criticising how gossip and personal lives often pass off as news online.

The veteran leader added that a free press remains non-negotiable for nurturing democracy and upholding the rule of law.