Govt believes in full freedom of media: Yasser

"The government has ensured an environment where journalists can perform their professional duties freely without fear or intimidation," he said.

The state minister said this as the chief guest at an orientation class of the "Rafique Hilaly English Excellence Program-2026" and a reception for students who achieved outstanding results in the SSC and Dakhil examinations, held at Kendua Upazila Public Hall in Netrokona this afternoon.

After the programme, responding to journalists' questions on their professional welfare and other issues, he said an initiative has been taken to increase the prescribed budget allocation for the Journalists Welfare Trust from Taka six crore to Taka 25 crore, and a proposal in this regard has been sent to the Ministry of Finance.

Yasser further said that alongside ensuring freedom of the press, efforts are underway through the Press Council to prevent "yellow journalism" and unethical journalism while maintaining professional standards.

When journalists drew his attention to the need for facilities for students in the haor areas and the formulation of a separate academic calendar, the State Minister said it is a national issue.

The government is reviewing the issue of transportation and educational facilities for students in the haor areas with utmost importance, and a positive decision will be taken soon, he added.

The State Minister said achieving only GPA-5 or good academic results is not enough; students must develop into humane and ideal citizens. 

He said true success can be achieved by practising morality while remaining respectful towards family, teachers and the country.

He said playgrounds are being modernised to engage grassroots youth in sports, while special programmes for learning Chinese and Arabic languages are being introduced online and on television.

The programme was presided over by Rafiqul Islam Hilaly, Member of Parliament from Netrokona-3 (Kendua-Atpara) constituency. 

Lawmakerfrom Mymensingh-8 constituency Luthfullahel Mazed, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Moon Moon Jahan Liza, Kendua Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sanzida Chowdhury and District Press Club Secretary Mahbubul Kibria Chowdhury Helim addressed the event as special guests.

The programme, which began at 10am, was attended by Kendua Upazila BNP leaders, officials of the district administration, teachers, students, journalists and guardians, reports BSS.