Journalists should maintain neutrality, avoid political bias: State Minister

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasher Khan Chowdhury has urged journalists to keep the issue of sedition in mind when publishing news against the state. He also claimed that Bangladesh's media is currently enjoying more freedom than at any time in the past.

He made these remarks during an exchange of views with journalists at the Kendua Club auditorium in Netrokona on Friday afternoon.

Yasher Khan Chowdhury said the government believes in independent journalism. It expects journalists to write, speak and express opinions freely. Bangladeshi journalists are currently enjoying a level of freedom unprecedented in the past.

However, the state minister urged journalists not to defame anyone by publishing misinformation in the name of freedom of speech. He said when publishing news against the state, the issue of sedition must be kept in mind.

He also called on journalists to remain neutral and avoid political bias while reporting. Yasher Khan Chowdhury said journalists can be supporters of any political party—there is no problem with that. However, while doing journalism and reporting news, they must maintain neutrality without taking sides.

The state minister said an initiative has been taken to introduce retirement benefits for journalists. He said journalists need a retirement benefit system, just like other professions. A letter has been sent to the Ministry of Finance to triple the current amount in the Journalists' Welfare Trust.

He further said financial assistance would be provided to journalists based on applications, after proper verification.

The exchange of views was chaired by Kendua Press Club President Sekul Islam Khan and conducted by General Secretary Abdul Hai Selim. Local MP Rafiqul Islam Hilali and Mymensingh-8 MP Lutfullahil Majed Babu also spoke at the event.