Media freedom pointless without accountability to people: Mahfuj

Dhaka, 22 Mar – Media freedom holds no value if it is not accountable to people, said Information and Broadcasting Adviser Mahfuj Alam on Saturday pointing to the importance of media responsibility.

The adviser was speaking at an iftar party and discussion organised by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at the Tathaya Bhaban in Dhaka.

The adviser spoke about the importance of understanding the true value of media freedom, and criticised the media's role over the past 16 years, saying that journalist forums have been influenced by business syndicates and political groups. "This is unfortunate for our nation," he added, pointing out the harm caused by such alliances.

Mahfuj also talked about the upcoming media reforms, saying that discussions would be held with the relevant stakeholders in line with the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission to establish discipline within the media.

He assured that the government would take necessary steps to raise the wages and benefits of media workers to a reasonable level.

To ensure true media freedom, the adviser said journalists must be liberated from the influence of media owners and editors, and called for the collective cooperation of media owners, journalists and other related parties in the media reform process.

Information Secretary Mahbuba Farjana, along with the heads of departments and agencies under the ministry and leaders of journalist forums attended the event.