The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Without freedom of media democracy is meaningless. The contribution of mass media to establish the social, political and cultural rights of the people is commendable, said Akbar Ali Khan, Former Adviser to the Caretaker Government and Chairman of Regulatory Reform Commission.

Emphasising on freedom of press he said the Government should ensure three types of security for the journalists to work independently. These are Regulation security, financial security and physical security.

Khan made these comments at a discussion meeting titled "Freedom of Press and Security for Journalists" and a prize giving ceremony of "UNESCO Club Journalism Award-2008" marking the World Press freedom Day organised by National Association of UNESCO Club in Bangladesh at the National Press club yesterday.

Professor Mozzaffar Ahmad, Chairman of Transparency International Bangladesh, said, freedom of press means the freedom of expression, which would be used for the interest of masses or the victims. Too much terrorism and feeble security system are the major cause for assaulting journalists. The mass media cannot publish or broadcast the financial crime of individuals or organisations due to the corporatisation of mass media.

He also urged the Government to implement the act of Information Rights immediately to create an objective atmosphere in the country.

Terming the media as the parliament of the masses Professor Aminul Islam of Philosophy Department of Dhaka University said, the media men should work for establishing truth, goodness and equal justice in the society.

Showkat Mahmud, President of the National Press Club, said, strong restriction is prevailing over the mass media in the country due to the absence of democracy.

He urged the government to re-establish democracy so that the journalists can work independently.

Dr Mahmud Hasan, Secretary of National Commission of UNESCO in Bangladesh, Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul, President of Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists, Juglul Ahmed Chowdhury, Chief Editor of BSS also spoke.

Ten young journalists were awarded for their outstanding performance. The recipients are: Mustafiz Shafi of Dainik Samokal, Manir Haider of Dainik Ittefaq, Shahnaz Munni of ATN Bangla, Shamim Al Amin of Channel One, Shakila Jesmin of Channel I, Mahabuba Jannat of Daily Star, Mujib Masud of Dainik Jugantor, Shahed Alam of N tv, Ziaul Islam Zia of Dainik Prothom Alo and TV actor Hasan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron.