Published: 11:59 PM, 04 September 2026
'Govt believes in full freedom of media'
State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury has said the incumbent government believes in full freedom of the media.
"The government has ensured an environment where journalists can perform their professional duties freely without fear or intimidation," he said. The state minister said this as the chief guest at an orientation class of the "Rafique Hilaly English Excellence Program-2026" and a reception for students who achieved outstanding results in the SSC and Dakhil examinations, held at Kendua Upazila Public Hall in Netrokona on Friday afternoon, BSS reports.
After the programme, responding to journalists' questions on their professional welfare and other issues, he said an initiative has been taken to increase the prescribed budget allocation for the Journalists Welfare Trust from Taka six crore to Taka 25 crore, and a proposal in this regard has been sent to the Ministry of Finance.
Yasser further said that alongside ensuring freedom of the press, efforts are underway through the Press Council to prevent "yellow journalism" and unethical journalism while maintaining professional standards.
When journalists drew his attention to the need for facilities for students in the haor areas and the formulation of a separate academic calendar, the State Minister said it is a national issue.
The government is reviewing the issue of transportation and educational facilities for students in the haor areas with utmost importance, and a positive decision will be taken soon, he added.
