Published: 12:09 AM, 26 April 2026
Mass media should be allowed absolute freedom to protect democracy
Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md. Asaduzzaman has said that freedom of mass media is essential for the protection and development of democracy. He stated that media freedom is closely intertwined with democracy, and therefore people in the country expect a free, fearless, and responsible press.
He made these remarks while visiting the office of a daily English newspaper in Karwan Bazar in the capital on the occasion of its 35th founding anniversary. He also expressed deep concern after inspecting the site of the attack, vandalism, and arson that took place at the office on the night of December 18 last year.
The minister said that to sustain democracy, media freedom must be ensured. The way media outlets have been attacked in the past is unacceptable under any circumstances. He added that such incidents should never happen again in the future.
He further said that the government wants to create an environment where the media can operate freely without facing any intimidation or obstacles.
The law minister also said that they want Bangladesh to move forward along the path of media freedom and that all kinds of barriers in this regard should be removed.
Referring to the arson attacks on a few newspaper offices several months ago, he said that such events are extremely painful and unacceptable for them. They do not want any such tragic situation to recur in the future. These memories are like a nightmare, and they are working to overcome that nightmare, Asaduzzanan added.
