Info ministry bins editors' statement

The information ministry in a statement yesterday said the statement published in the name of the Editor's Council was "unfortunate and regrettable".

It said that at a time when the media was enjoying full freedom such a statement was "neither realistic nor desirable".

The current government had enacted the Right to Information (RTI) Act, set up the Information Commission and Human Rights Commission and announced the Eighth Wage Board for the overall development, protection and welfare of the media and media persons, the statement read.

Moreover, it had taken a number of steps including constituting the Journalists' Welfare Trust for the benefit of working journalists.

The statement cited several steps including the Press Council Act and the National Broadcasting Commission as contributing to the general development of the media.

It also said that the Penal Code had been amended to give media person's clemency.

The statement said that under the current government the media had "boomed" and that there was double the number of publications than in the past.

Besides, 26 television channels were also permitted and 11 FM radios and 32 community radios were provided licences to operate during the tenure of the present government of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The government also said that no media outlet or any stakeholder was taken to task for their media activities.

The statement further said that parliament had the right to discuss all issues pertaining to the nation.

It said that the government welcomes factual criticism and analysis as it improves its functioning through better transparency and accountability.

It reiterated the government's position that the media was an integral part of a democratic order.