Independent, responsible media is indispensable in democracy: Hasan

Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League (AL) Joint General Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud today said independent, transparent and responsible media is conducive to economic uplift and indispensable for a democratic society.

"Under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, now Bangladesh is a unique example of expansion of independent media and economic development and giving an institutional shape to democracy," he said.

Dr Hasan said these while addressing a minister-level session titled "Role of Media in Economic Reform' on the inaugural day of the 18th Asia Media Summit in Bali, Indonesia.

Asia-Pacific Institute for Broadcasting Development (AIBD) is organising the three-day conference with the theme "Media Enhancing Economic Sustainability".

Cambodian Information Minister Khieu Kanharith, Myanmar's Information Minister Maung Maung Ohn, Samoa's Communication and Information Technology Minister Toelupe Poumulinuku Onesemo and Fiji's Assistant Minister Sakiusa Tubuna addressed the session.

Dr Hasan Mahmud said media has been playing an important role in economic recovery across the globe following the situation induced by coronavirus pandemic and Ukraine war.

In Bangladesh, media has also been playing a crucial role to make the people aware by presenting different initiatives and policies taken by the government in facing the situation, he mentioned.

Media reports on opportunities and advantages of investment in Bangladesh are also playing a role to attract foreign investors, he said.

He said Media is also encouraging and enhancing self-confidence of entrepreneurs by making reports on small and medium enterprises.

Dr Hasan said media plays an important role in expansion of trade and dissemination of thoughts and innovative plans across the globe as well as it increases responsibility of the government.

That is why, Bangladesh government gave license to around 1500 newspapers, several dozens of television channels and radios so that media can play role in economic reformation by increasing transparency and making people aware about economic issues through providing objective information.

He hoped that the government and media will work together in building prosperous future for Bangladesh, Asia Pacific region or the entire world.