The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad said the print and electronic media could cooperate with the government by presenting public opinion before it and through constructive criticisms of the rulers just in office.

"The present government will work to ensure rights of every citizen," he said while exchanging views with newspaper editors, news agency chiefs and senior journalists at his office yesterday.

Information Secretary Jamil Osman, Prime Minister's Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad and Chief Information Office Iftekhar Hossain were among others present.

During the meeting, the editors apprised him of different problems prevailing in the newspaper industry, including the issue of distribution and payment of advertisement.

As the editors drew attention of the new Information Minister about the killing of journalists at different times, he said, "Necessary action will be taken after proper investigation."

Minister Azad also assured newsmen that his government would do whatever necessary for bringing the prices of essentials within the reach of people.

He said an initiative would be taken for a fresh review of the proposed autonomy to the state-run Bangladesh Television and Bangladesh Betar through discussion with the Prime Minister.

"The present government wants to ensure free flow of information," he added.

Editors of Amader Somoy Naimul Islam, Shyamal Dutta of Bhorer Kagoz, Salma Islam of Jugantar, Alamgir Mahiuddin of Naya Diganta, Mahbubul Alam of the Independent, Reaz Uddin Ahmed of the News Today, Iqbal Sobhan of Bangladesh Observer, Mostafa Kamal Majumder of the New Nation and Mahfuz Anam of Daily Star and journalist Golam Sarwar and ABM Musa and columnist Ataus Samad attended the meeting.