Editorial
Media handling left much to be desired
There is a lesson to learn
The strikingly different contrasts of how the governments of Bangladesh and India handle the media and share information became very apparent during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's official visit to Bangladesh which just concluded. The Bangladeshi media was obliged to struggle during the summit to acquire the official version of the development of events, often having to chase officials for information and briefings. The media was apparently kept in the dark about the step by step outcome of the talks between the two governments. There appeared to be no designated person to approach in case of any clarifications required and if there was, he/she was not readily available. In fact, there were hardly any press conferences.
The Foreign Secretary of India, Ranjan Mathai clearly stated to the press on September 5 that the Teesta Accord will most likely not be signed at this time. However, the Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Dipu Moni, stated at an informal briefing on the same day that an accord will be signed and furthermore stated that she was in constant touch with India.
In contrast to this, Indian officials met with journalists from their country, briefing and informing them and keeping them efficiently abreast of the developing situation. India has always had a policy of holding regular media briefings on such occasions.
This is standard practice in a democracy, particularly when two Prime Ministers meet. Constant contact, clarifications and exchange of information between the media and the government should be regarded as a given, promoting a healthy and beneficial relationship between the governments and the people at large.
The people's right to know and the unvarnished facts particularly about a major event is fundamental and should not be even unwittingly tampered with.
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