Govt doesn't want to restrict journalism

The government does not tend to impose restriction on journalism by any means and it is not possible either, said Hasanul Haq Inu at Rajshahi University yesterday.

Without the media, democracy cannot be practised in a country, on the other hand, the media personalities should also use their conscience in presenting news, said Inu while addressing as chief guest a seminar titled "Role of Regional Journalism in National Development: Problems and Probabilities" at RU senate building.

The Press Institute of Bangladesh (PIB) in association with RU's mass communication and journalism department organised the seminar. It is quite impossible for everyone to be neutral, said Inu, adding that the media should obey the constitution and support the parties which believe in the spirit of the Liberation War.

RU Vice Chancellor Prof Muhammad Mizanuddin urged the media to focus more on highlighting regional news rather than Dhaka-centric news to bring forward the real scenario of the root-level people.  The minister sought cooperation from journalists to address the current four challenges -- eradication of extremism, poverty alleviation, fighting climate change effects, and gender discrimination -- for the country.

Dr Pradip Kumar Pandey, chairman of the department, presented the keynote paper at the seminar.