Adviser for Information and Broadcasting Md Nahid Islam today (August 18) said there will be no room for corruption and nepotism in his ministry.

"We are trying to build a corruption-free Bangladesh. We will work together for the people of Bangladesh to attain this goal. We will utilize the opportunity that we got (through revolution)," he said.

Nahid said this at a view-exchange meeting with chiefs of offices affiliated to the Information and Broadcasting Ministry and journalists at his ministry's conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat here this morning.

At the onset of the meeting, a one-minute silence was observed commemorating the martyred students, people from different ages and journalists.

About interference in journalism, Nahid said, "We witnessed what kind of brazen interference was imposed on the freedom of the press, mass media and the freedom of expression in Bangladesh. We do not want such incidents to happen in Bangladesh in the future".

Noting that it is impossible to ensure the freedom of speech without ensuring the freedom of the press, he said, "We must work to ensure freedom of the press".

He emphasized reviewing the controversial laws and regulations to ensure complete freedom of speech.

The adviser assured of standing by the journalists who were killed and received injuries during the anti-discrimination movement waged by students and mass people.

About salary structure of journalists, he said the salaries of reporters at junior level are very poor while in many cases the salary structure is not followed by the media outlets.

"So, there is the need for a policy regarding the salary structure. If we cannot encourage talented people in journalism, it will not progress," he added.

About the offices under the ministry, the information and broadcasting adviser said, steps will be taken to make the offices dynamic and modernized within the quickest possible time.

Besides, film censor board committees will be reformed soon, he added.

BDST: 1723 HRS, AUGUST 18, 2024
MSK/SMS