Tarique says Bangladesh moved beyond era of "media suppression”

He cites the 1975 shutdown of newspapers, saying today’s media environment marks a sharp departure from that period

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said media suppression no longer exists in the country and urged a shift away from a “revenge mindset”.

He spoke with journalists on Tuesday as Jun 16 is observed as the “Black Day” for newspapers in Bangladesh every year.

On this day in 1975, the then government of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman cancelled the publication and declarations of all newspapers except four state-owned publications.

Journalists and media workers have since observed the day as “Black Day” in protest.

Tarique said, “On this day, all newspapers in Bangladesh were shut down. From there, today we are sitting and talking with so many journalists.”

“This proves one thing: the practice of silencing newspapers that existed at that time is no longer there.”

He added that when his father president Ziaur Rahman took charge, he introduced multi-party democracy and simultaneously removed the restrictions imposed on newspapers.

The premier stressed the need to change the mindset of seeking revenge, saying vengeance does not bring back what is lost.

He also asked for journalists’ help in running the country through their feedback on government decisions.