Minister for Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Affairs, Dipen Dewan MP, has stated that the current democratic government firmly believes in the absolute freedom of the media. He remarked that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman was the pioneer of press freedom in modern Bangladesh. The Minister said that by lifting all restrictions on newspapers, Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman laid the foundation for multi-dimensional democracy and a free press. The current government is moving forward by upholding those very ideals.
Minister Dipen Dewan MP made these remarks as the Chief Guest at the inauguration ceremony of the newspaper ‘Asia Post’ held at the George Motel Auditorium in Rangamati city on Tuesday morning, May 12. He noted that under the leadership of Honorable Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, a new horizon for the media has opened since the BNP government took office, and the country is progressing successfully in every sector.
Addressing the event, the CHT Minister further added that the media is the mirror of the nation. He urged journalists to play a neutral role to ensure that no propaganda is spread regarding the country’s politics or any other issue. He specifically called upon everyone concerned to present objective news highlighting the challenges and potentials of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. He reminded the audience that Shaheed Zia established the media as the fourth pillar of the state by ensuring the freedom of the press, and the current government is determined to maintain that legacy.
The meeting was presided over by Md. Ziaul Haque, the Rangamati correspondent of ‘Asia Post’. Special guests included Vice-President of District BNP and former Municipal Mayor Md. Saiful Islam Chowdhury Bhutto, General Secretary of District BNP Adv. Mamunur Rashid Mamun, and Organizational Secretary Md.Saiful Islam Shakil. Also present were Press Club President Anwar Al Haque, General Secretary Muhammad Iliyas, along with local journalist leaders and dignitaries.