The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

US Charge d' Affaires in Dhaka Geeta Pasi yesterday urged the country's journalists to report fairly keeping in mind that the media serves the public interests.

"Journalists and editors have a responsibility to themselves (above all), their news agencies, and their audience to report fairly, accurately, and independently," Geeta said.

She was addressing a function marking the 50th founding anniversary of Bangla Service of Voice of America (VOA) at a city hotel in the afternoon.

Former Chief Adviser to caretaker government Justice Habibur Rahman attended the programme as chief guest.

The 27th director of the Voice of America, Dan Austin, and Bangla service chief Iqbal Bahar Choudhury, among others, attended the function. The present and former broadcasters and reporters of the worldwide radio station were present.

Geeta Pasi said the media plays a critical role in a democracy as its lifeblood because it acts as a primary source of information to the people. "A free press helps make citizens responsible through information."

Geeta lauded the role of VOA's Bangla service saying that over the past half century it provided accurate and timely information on current events, education and culture to millions of listeners. "We' re very proud that Bangladesh boasts the second highest single country VOA audience in the world," she said.

Geeta further said VOA has increasingly highlighted the growing role of Muslims, including those of Bangladeshi origin, in the United States and the American people through its superb programming.

Referring to VOA Fan Club in Bangladesh, Dan Austin said VOA broadcasts programmes for an audience of about 115 million people every week around the world.

"We do that in 45 different languages but nowhere, nowhere else do we have a such a response, such a rapport with the listening audience what you have done with the Fan Clubs to help your communities, help your country," he said.

Austin also appreciated the role of VOA fan club when the country's southwestern districts were hit by Cyclone Sidr in November last year.