Freedom of information and access is a basic needs for any human being in the democratic country. Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad yesterday asked the media not to get worried by some “isolated comments” to them, saying the government believes in full freedom of the press.
“Somebody might have made a few comments [to the media]. But those are not government statements. Our government has spokespersons who alone can clarify its position,” said the minister.
He added there is nothing to be worried at those offhand comments of some individuals.
Azad was addressing a national seminar on Right to Information Act at Dhaka Sheraton Hotel. Management and Resources Development Initiative arranged the event.
The minister’s observation came following recent statements of Syed Modasser Ali, health affairs adviser to the prime minister, and also the media bashing by some ruling alliance leaders.
Syed Modasser Ali on Monday said the health department wouldn’t provide any information to journalists.
He, however, later told The Daily Star that he specifically had talked about tender evaluation of the civil surgeon’s office in Gopalganj, and not on the information of the health ministry in general.
Speaking at Gopalganj Sadar Hospital, Modasser also said none outside the ruling Awami League would be selected for 13,350 posts of community clinics.
On Tuesday, a number of Awami League-led alliance lawmakers and two ministers threw up a barrage of flak at several national dailies during a parliament session.
They demanded action against the daily Prothom Alo and its editor for “tarnishing the image of the House and its members”.
They also questioned the role of some media during the state of emergency. According to them, “information terrorism” is now taking place in the country and legal action must be taken against such activities.
However, the information minister said the government is very supportive of the press freedom and trying to establish the right to information.
Source: TDS