The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed yesterday said the press is enjoying maximum freedom in the country even under the State of Emergency.

"The government did not impose any restrictions on the press during the State of Emergency in the country," he told a three- member International Press Institute (IPI) delegation when it paid a courtesy call on him at his office here.

Led by IPI Director David Dadge the delegation members included Secretary General of Pakistan Press Foundation Owais Aslam Ali and IPI member Md. Monzurul Ahsan Bulbul.

Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed expressed his firm belief in the freedom of press, and said that press establishes link between the government and the people.

He said Bangladesh press helped the government through constructive criticism during the tenure of the press government. "We came to know many important information through press as it reflects opinion of the people," he added.

During the meeting, the Chief Adviser told the IPI delegation about the activities of his government including the various reform measurers. He expressed the hope that these institutional reform measurers would help strengthen accountability as well as foundation of democracy.

About capacity building of journalists, the head of the interim government called upon the IPI delegation to undertake training programme for the Bangladeshi journalists to further improve their professional excellence.

The IPI delegation informed the CA that they came to know from different sources that journalists were mostly free in the country even under the State of Emergency.

Regarding enactment of 'Right to Information' act, the delegation members appreciated the Caretaker Government for formulating the act to ensure access to information by the people.

They also thanked the government for its reform measurers to ensure accountability and transparency in governance.

IPI is a global network of editors, media executives and leading journalists and is dedicated to furtherance and safeguarding freedom of press and promotion of free flow of information.

Established in 1950 it has membership in 120 countries across the globe.

Press Secretary Syed Fahim Munaim was present on the occasion.