Raushan demeans journalists

Leader of the Opposition Raushan Ershad yesterday said most journalists had chosen the profession because they did not find other jobs.

"Don't mind. I know you have taken up the profession as there are not enough employments in the country," she said.

Raushan made the comments at a press conference at the media centre of Jatiya Sangsad Bhaban when journalists told her that the stands of Jatiya Party Chairman HM Ershad and Raushan were different over the municipality polls which take place today.

Ershad recently said the Election Commission (EC) did not have a backbone, and several leaders of his party came under attack during campaigning.

But at the conference, Raushan, JP's senior presidium member, differed with Ershad, and expressed her confidence in EC, saying there was no attack on her party men, and the media sometime played up simple issues.  However, she urged EC to hold a neutral and peaceful election.

She also said there are 40 television stations in the country where only 10-15 would suffice.

When journalists strongly protested her remarks, State Minster for Labour Mujibul Haque Chunnu and Jatiya Party lawmaker Quazi Feroz Rashid tried to calm them.

Raushan then said, "Listen to me. Journalism is a noble profession. I am not discouraging you because the youths are taking drugs after failing to get good jobs… I actually spoke about raising your perks and benefits."

When a journalist asked a question, she criticised him and said, "You always complicate questions."

She said Ershad always tried to encourage his party men through his speeches. She also said her party would not quit the polls, no matter what happened.