Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaliv Rahman Partha has said that the media carries a significant responsibility in a democratic system. He noted that while policies and laws can bring people under a legal framework, journalists must always remain mindful of ethical considerations when publishing news.

He made the remarks at an exchange of views with journalists at Bhola Press Club on Thursday morning (August 3).

The Information Minister said, “Policies may help bring people under the law. But ethically, we must keep in mind that no one should be harmed by a half-truth report. At the same time, no one should be excessively praised. The media has a major responsibility in democracy.”

Referring to the current state of press freedom, Partha said, “The media is completely free now. You (journalists) will work in your own way. I believe the media is a pillar of democracy, and you should examine whether our work is being done properly or not. At the same time, you must remember that your writing should not destroy anyone’s life, career, dignity or reputation. That is an ethical responsibility.”

He said, “I have never interfered with the media. I believe that even if 20 television channels and thousands of newspapers support you, you will not be able to remain in power if Allah does not want it. The biggest example of this is this fascist regime. We saw two years ago that even if everything is in your favor, when your time is up, no one will stand by you. When Allah does not want it, He can put hatred for you in people’s hearts.”

Explaining his own approach, Partha said, “I was never interested in having 10 journalists write in my favor, or calling them and destroying their jobs if they did not. We want to move away from this practice.”

Addressing the issue of cyberbullying, the minister described it as a major concern at present. He said such incidents have reduced creativity in online news reporting. According to him, people now tend to regard almost any news report as “fake news,” while even accurate reports often face suspicion among readers.

Highlighting changes in society and among the younger generation, Partha said, “The situation is different today, the generation is different, and everything, including the media, is different. When you pick up your pen and write, criticize us. Look at where our work is being done properly. Inform me whether the allocations we are making and the work we are trying to carry out are being done honestly. Write about us to help us so that we can do our work correctly. You must ensure that there is nothing corrupt or malicious in the report. News should not be written simply because you dislike me or out of anger and resentment.”

The discussion was chaired by Bhola Press Club President Advocate Nazrul Haque Anu and moderated by General Secretary Nasir Uddin Liton.

District Commissioner Dr. Shamim Rahman, Superintendent of Police Md. Shahidullah Kawser, District BNP Member Secretary Md. Raisul Alam, District BJP President Md. Amirul Islam Ratan, Islami Andolan district President Maulana Ataur Rahman, Jamaat-e-Islami district Political Secretary Zia-ul-Morshed Chowdhury, Daily Ajker Bhola Editor Mu. Shawkat Hossain and veteran journalist M.A. Taher also spoke at the event.