PM urges fact-based discourse in meeting with media, civil society figures

Prime Minister and BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman has urged media, social media and civil society figures to avoid exaggeration and present national issues through logical, fact-based and balanced analysis.

He made the remarks at an exchange of views with 60 to 70 prominent figures from different professions at the BNP chairman’s office in the capital's Gulshan on Friday evening (September 11).

Journalists, academics, intellectuals, lawyers and other professionals attended the meeting, along with senior government and BNP officials.

Discussing the country’s ongoing challenges, Tarique called for coordinated efforts to tackle the crises and stressed the importance of presenting the government’s and BNP’s positions to the public clearly and transparently.

Participants said he also urged them not to dismiss public perceptions or concerns, but to take them into account while commenting on national issues.

“Nothing should be exaggerated, but existing perceptions in society should not be denied either. We have to speak based on reality, logically and with facts,” a participant quoted him as saying.

A BNP leader said Tarique acknowledged that he could not advance the government’s work alone and that collective support was needed to carry forward its initiatives.

The meeting also discussed the country’s various challenges, government activities, public perceptions and ways to communicate the government’s position more effectively.

Earlier on Friday, Tarique distributed donation cheques to authorities of mosques and temples in the Dhaka-17 constituency. He said 4.1 million families would receive Family Cards this year.

On the power and energy crisis, he said the problem was global and its impact was being felt in Bangladesh. The government was working to address the crisis and exploring 130 gas wells, he said.

Tarique also said the government was making maximum efforts to prevent state resources from being used for personal interests and called for united resistance against illegal activities.