Journey of The Asian Age: Imagination of Building Hope

 

French philosopher Voltaire once said, "I may not agree with you but I will dedicate my life to defend your freedom to speak." This maxim by Voltaire adds enormous value to the idea of showing respect to the observations and statements made by people who may be even our opponents. This is one of the best sayings to endorse the significance of freedom of speech and journalism.

The Asian Age has been in publication for last ten years. During this period The Asian Age had to go through a great deal of ups and downs.

Journalists work for the coverage of domestic as well as global occurrences to keep people updated about the latest events happening in different parts of the world. The assignments journalists have to carry out as part of their occupations sometimes put their lives at risk. Many journalists face various sorts of hazards during coverage of troublesome situations. They also sometimes get killed while doing their duties. Journalists often become enemies of corrupted people because their reports unveil the illegal things done by gangsters, racketeers, financial culprits, gun dealers and other lawbreakers. In this way journalists put their own lives under threat for upholding the value of truth and justice.

Worries have come up about the imminent impact of electronic general procurement (EGP) on the fate of print media including newspapers and magazines. Through the use of EGP the quantity of advertisements for newspapers will come down to one fifth of the current size of advertisements which means an advertisement of 50 (fifty) inches will be reduced to 10 (ten) inches through EGP which is bound to cast terribly adverse effects on the earnings of Bengali and English newspapers of Bangladesh. As EGP would place advertisements online, there is risk of tampering the requirements and specifications stated in advertisements by unscrupulous officials.

Newspapers also portray the success stories of the government and thus raise the country's honor on global platforms.

Many journalists have left journalism and moved to other professional tracks due to monetary uncertainty. A number of newspapers are going through financial crisis. The government should take a look at this phenomenon and required measures should be initiated to save media and journalists from monetary predicaments.

However, it should be remembered that journalists don't only prepare reports and publish news items. Lots of journalists across the globe are actively engaged with scholarly activities like writing articles, giving lectures at universities, speaking at conferences and doing research works. The extent of journalism has become much wider last several years through the expansion of online news portals and satellite television channels. People are now accustomed to both newspapers' printed as well as soft versions. Journalists have certain specialties like politics, international affairs, education, health, literature, business, fashion, sports etc. Some journalists are so versatile and rich with wisdom that they can at a time work on all fields of media.

It's undeniable that freedom of press is one of the most vital things to establish transparency, democracy, social justice and equity in any nation. Strangulating the voice of newspapers and television channels is a common feature in countries where state mechanism does not properly function.

Besides propagating news items, newspapers are profound sources of knowledge too. Particularly, in our country English newspapers are very helpful for upgrading the English language skills of students. All newspapers publish several articles on different domestic and foreign incidents everyday which widen the perceptions of readers and keep them linked with the ongoing circumference of the whole world. Students who get prepared for competitive exams read newspapers carefully to learn the latest facts and figures about global politics, economy, sports and other things.

Newspapers, mobile journalism and television channels in all countries have provided jobs to millions of people for the posts of editors, reporters, proof readers, graphic designers, correspondents, computer programmers, translators and so on. In this way media agencies play substantial roles for boosting any country's employment sector. For this reason, governments of all countries should uphold a broader approach to freedom of press allowing media agencies to work independently. Freedom of press is one of the yardsticks by which the level of justice and democracy in a state can be measured. Instances of repression and harassment on journalists put dark stains on any country's image.  Unbarred news flow makes people aware of their rights and duties and their roles for developing their state and society. When news agencies face stern regulations in a country, misperceptions and prejudices very easily spread there and human rights, good governance and rule of law also face hurdles under such circumstances.

The Asian Age upholds a strong stance against religious fundamentalism, militancy and communal outfits.

We have seen in the past some journalists had to leave their own countries being extremely tormented by the ruling authorities and sought asylum in other countries. It happens in countries where governments don't have enough endurance to stand opinions from dissidents. In most of the prosperous countries of the world we find newspapers and television channels working with full independence without trepidations of being gagged by governments. Through unhindered journalism a healthy view exchange ambience develops in a country which is a prerequisite for the prevalence of justice and social fairness.

At the same time, journalists need to remember that they are under ethical obligations to pursue their work with objectivity and truthfulness. Publishing inauthentic reports in order to malign somebody is a vicious malpractice in the arena of news sources which is known as yellow journalism. Some news agencies have brazen leaning towards certain political wings which is not desirable either. It's true that everyone has their own socio-political ideological vision but one's own ideology should not be allowed to obstruct authenticity when it comes to journalism. Being able to work with an unbiased outlook is the most valuable thing for journalists. In the current world plagued with misinterpretations, propaganda, falsehood and malice honest media professionals can play effective roles for exposing the truth by vanquishing the dissemination of fallacies.

From the perspectives of Bangladesh, journalists from our own country as well as from some other states helped us extensively during our glorious Liberation War of 1971. They illustrated the vices, atrocities and war crimes committed by Pakistan army to the global masses and thus acquired universal support in our favor which expedited our independence. People engaged with Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, the wartime radio station during 1971 whetted our freedom fighters' confidence and enthusiasm.

Major General (Retd) Shamim Chowdhury, Anis Ahmed, Dr. Nazmul Ahsan Kalimullah, Avirook Sen, Mujtaba Murshed, Syed Badrul Ahsan, Mohshin Habib, Shihabur Rahman, Nadeem Qadir and some other well-known figures served The Asian Age holding senior editorial posts for several years since the newspaper’s inception.

At the same time journalists in many countries have come under regimentations and torment. We have seen how Myanmar authorities persecuted two journalists of Reuters. The gruesome murder of Jamal Khashoggi in 2018 is still glaring in our memory. While the whole world was heavily aggrieved over the murder of Jamal Khashoggi, there was almost no demonstration in Bangladesh over this issue. Nevertheless, Bangladeshi people demonstrated against the Vietnam War. Bangladeshis protested on the streets over ethnic cleansing in Bosnia-Herzegovina too.

It's undeniable that freedom of press is one of the most vital things to establish transparency, democracy, social justice and equity in any nation. Strangulating the voice of newspapers and television channels is a common feature in countries where state mechanism does not properly function. Media houses and newspapers in Bangladesh have not yet become strong like those in India, United Kingdom and the United States of America. Newspapers are society's mirror. Newspapers get us familiarized with everything that happens around us in our own country as well as in the rest part of the world. Newspapers also portray the success stories of the government and thus raise the country's honor on global platforms.

Journalists work for the coverage of domestic as well as global occurrences to keep people updated about the latest events happening in different parts of the world. The assignments journalists have to carry out as part of their occupations sometimes put their lives at risk. Many journalists face various sorts of danger during coverage of troublesome situations. They also sometimes get killed while doing their duties. Journalists often become enemies of corrupted people because their reports unveil the illegal things done by gangsters, racketeers, financial culprits, gun dealers and other lawbreakers. In this way journalists put their own lives under threat for upholding the value of truth and justice.

Sometimes autocratic governments shut down online news portals and social networks to subdue protests. This often leads to mass outrage and things worsen as a result of it instead of getting better. International sources have informed that there were substantial declines in the ability of journalists to do their job in Yemen, Burundi, Romania, Zanzibar, and Turkey, where reporters privately admitted they refrained from writing about the ruling authorities for fear of judicial retribution.

Article 19, a human rights organization stated that the price of protecting the right to freedom of expression and information has become extremely high: death, detention, and fear loom large for communicators and activists across the globe, and the space for meaningful discussion and communication is under siege.

Journalism is more dangerous and more under threat than at any point in the last decade, according to a report, which found that 78 journalists were killed in 2022 while doing their job.

On some occasions we have seen that the western world became united over invasions on freedom of press. For example, the European Union imposed embargoes on Belarus after the country's government forced a plane to land carrying dissident journalist Roman Protasevich in May 2021. There are also sanctions on Iran, Cuba, Myanmar and North Korea due to autocratic regime and human rights violations in these countries.

The rise of authoritarian governments and the threat of internet censorship has redoubled pressures on reporters globally, according to the human rights organization Article 19, which found that a further 326 journalists were imprisoned for their work during 2017, a substantial increase on the previous year.
More than half of those behind bars were held in Turkey, China and Egypt, often on charges of opposing the state.

Many journalists have left journalism and moved to other professional tracks due to monetary uncertainty. A number of newspapers are going through financial crisis. The government should take a look at this matter and required measures should be initiated to save media and journalists from monetary predicaments.

International organizations including the United Nations sometimes impose travel ban on certain leaders and heads of governments for their misconduct against journalists. Bangladesh has meanwhile graduated from least developed countries (LDC). Now it is time for Bangladesh to take special steps to upgrade the quality of print and electronic media to match global standard. Journalists need higher trainings to work with better skills and professionalism.

Housing and Public Works Minister SM Rezaul Karim has recently commented that journalism is a thankless job. The authorities concerned should cooperate with journalists in every possible way so that journalists can keep their body and soul together.

Everyone should come forward to build up a strong media which is essential for good governance to prevail everywhere. There should be aid from the government for the sustenance of newspapers and unbarred flow of information. Good journalists can play significant roles for uplifting people's ethical rights. Journalists can make people aware of their duties and can also inspire a country's citizens to become patriotic. Moreover, newspapers and television channels can work for making peace prevail throughout the world.

Newspapers of United Kingdom, United States of America and India sometimes publish derogatory cartoons on Donald Trump, Theresa May, Narendra Modi but newspapers do not come under any crackdown in these countries. This is the essence of good journalism. On the other hand, newspapers undergo a lot troublesome obligations in countries like Pakistan, China, Iran and some Middle East countries.

Bangladesh government is at present working hard to implement Vision 2021 and Vision 2041. Under these circumstances, the quality of print and electronic media needs to be enhanced too.

Former American President Richard Nixon once said, "I've never canceled a subscription to a newspaper because of bad cartoons or editorials. If that were the case, I wouldn't have any newspapers or magazines to read."

Former Ugandan President Idi Amin once said, "There is freedom of speech, but I cannot guarantee freedom after speech." Freedom of press is one of the most important things in any country. An uninterrupted flow of information through press is essential to keep everyone aware about the latest updates at home and abroad. Unfortunately freedom of press is facing terrible hindrances in some countries. We should remember that democracy is jeopardized when journalism comes under attacks. An assault on one journalist is same as assailing all journalists of the world. Journalists make the best of their efforts to fight back against all odds.

The Asian Age is one of the leading daily English newspapers in Bangladesh. It upholds the ideology of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and adheres to the spirit of the Liberation War of 1971. We have an unflinching stance against religious extremism and communal outfits. Our readers are our strength. We believe in doing our best for providing authentic information to our readers through ethical journalism. Our reports, which are true and uncompromising, sometimes make certain quarters angry. Back in 2017, one of our reports, which was based on solid evidences and undeniable facts, infuriated a former Finance Minister. Another report published in 2018 about alleged corruption by a former Foreign Secretary triggered a furious response from different wings.

 

At times the websites of newspapers are blocked by 'ghostly hands' following the publication of investigative reports. On 19 November 2019, a group of unidentified miscreants threatened to stop the publication of The Asian Age.

Most recently a report published in The Asian Age on graft and anomalies in the banking sector with special reference to a particular private bank has inflicted the newspaper with defamation cases. A Dhaka court has rejected one of these cases which is a triumph for The Asian Age. The value of one of the defamation cases is BDT 10 billion. Our newspaper fearlessly publishes true and impartial reports on all sorts of malpractices, frauds and misdeeds so that good governance and integrity prevail on all turfs, especially in banking and financial administrations. The Asian Age publishes news items on financial rackets like loan scams, mysterious loans and money laundering in public interest.

It may be recalled that High Court issued a rule in February 2017 seeking the list of loan defaulters after the publication of a report in The Asian Age titled, "Tk. 30,000 crore vanishing trick: 60% defaulted loans from public banks written off."

Another two reports titled "BB mum about top borrowers" and "Defaulted loans hit 50% of national budget: Top borrowers' names not yet revealed by BB" appeared in The Asian Age on 20 June 2019 and 22 October 2019 respectively. Influential loan defaulters get stay order from courts and thus they escape through the loopholes of banking regulations.

The assignments journalists have to carry out as part of their occupations sometimes put their lives at risk. Many journalists face various sorts of hazards during coverage of troublesome situations. They also sometimes get tortured while doing their duties. Journalists often become enemies of corrupted people because their reports unveil the illegal things done by gangsters, racketeers, financial culprits, gun dealers and other lawbreakers. In this way journalists put their own lives under threat for upholding the value of truth and justice.

Worries have come up about the imminent impact of electronic general procurement (EGP) on the fate of print media including newspapers and magazines. Through the use of EGP the quantity of advertisements for newspapers will come down to one tenth of the current size of advertisements which means an advertisement of 50 (fifty) inches will be reduced to 5 (five) inches through EGP which is bound to cast terribly adverse effects on the earnings of Bengali and English newspapers of Bangladesh. As EGP would place advertisements online, there is a risk of tampering the requirements and specifications stated in advertisements by unscrupulous officials. The Asian Age published a report titled "E-ads policy will kill print media" on 20 December 2017.

Newspapers also portray the success stories of the government and thus raise the country's honor on global platforms. On some occasions we have seen that the western world became united over invasions on freedom of press. For example, the European Union imposed embargoes on Belarus after the country's government forced a plane to land carrying dissident journalist Roman Protasevich in May 2021. There are also sanctions on Iran, Cuba, Myanmar and North Korea due to autocratic regime and human rights violations in these countries.

Many journalists have left journalism and moved to other professional tracks due to monetary uncertainty. A number of newspapers are going through financial crisis. The government should take a look at this phenomenon and required measures should be initiated to save media and journalists from monetary predicaments. The government may consider giving 50% subsidy for newsprint to make the production of newspapers more affordable.

However, it should be remembered that journalists don't only prepare reports and publish news items. Lots of journalists across the globe are actively engaged with scholarly activities like writing articles, giving lectures at universities, speaking at conferences and doing research works. The extent of journalism has become much wider last several years through the expansion of online news portals and satellite television channels. People are now accustomed to both newspapers' printed as well as soft versions. Journalists have certain specialties like politics, international affairs, education, health, literature, business, fashion, sports etc. Some journalists are so versatile and rich with wisdom that they can at a time work on all fields of media.

It's irrefutable that freedom of press is one of the most vital things to establish transparency, democracy, social justice and equity in any nation. Strangulating the voice of newspapers and television channels is a common feature in countries where state mechanism does not properly function.

Newspapers and television channels in all countries have provided jobs to millions of people for the posts of editors, reporters, proof readers, graphic designers, correspondents, computer programmers, translators and so on. In this way media agencies play substantial roles for boosting any country's employment sector. For this reason, governments of all countries should uphold a broader approach to freedom of press allowing media agencies to work independently. Freedom of press is one of the yardsticks by which the level of justice and democracy in a state can be measured. Instances of repression and harassment on journalists, editors and newspaper owners put dark stains on any country's image.  Unbarred news flow makes people aware of their rights and duties and their roles for developing their state and society. When news agencies face stern regulations in a country, misperceptions and prejudices very easily spread there and human rights and rule of law also face hurdles under such circumstances.

We have seen in the past some journalists had to leave their own countries being extremely tormented by the ruling authorities and sought asylum in other countries. It happens in countries where governments don't have enough endurance to stand opinions from dissidents. In most of the prosperous countries of the world we find newspapers and television channels working with full independence without trepidations of being gagged by governments. Through unhindered journalism a healthy view exchange ambience develops in a country which is a prerequisite for the prevalence of justice and social fairness.

Being able to work with an unbiased outlook is the most valuable thing for journalists. In the current world plagued with misinterpretations, propaganda, falsehood and malice honest media professionals can play effective roles for exposing the truth by vanquishing the dissemination of fallacies.

Latest technologies like Artificial Intelligence, metaverse, blockchain technology etcetera have added newer dimensions to media. Media outlets have to be well-versed in these technological advancements to sustain their business.

From the perspectives of Bangladesh, journalists from our own country as well as from some other states helped us extensively during our glorious Liberation War of 1971. They illustrated the vices, atrocities and war crimes committed by Pakistan Army to the global masses and thus acquired universal support in our favor which expedited our independence. People engaged with Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra, the wartime radio station during 1971 whetted our freedom fighters' confidence and enthusiasm.

While concluding a few words from American media tycoon Rupert Murdoch can be borrowed, "Great journalism will always attract readers. The words, pictures and graphics that are the stuff of journalism have to be brilliantly packaged. They must feed the mind and move the heart."


Shoeb Chowdhury is a diplomat, entrepreneur, author, poet, sports organizer and Chairman, Editorial Board of The Asian Age.