Media and politics
The media, especially the electronic media, is an effective tool to shape up public opinion when society is diluted and suffering from indecisions. That is where we stand today. Against this background we are to judge the role of the media. Are they performing ethically or following the partisan mentors' directives to support or criticise the government efforts and opposition's role. I believe some electronic media outlets are sending selective information under the banner of freedom of information; and also producing talk shows which imply that Bangladesh was a " heaven on earth' before the new government came to power in early January 2009. All crises, energy, water supply, fluctuating prices of essential commodities ( except rice, ata etc) are the failure of this four-month old government as they failed to prioritise and tackle national issues, and are spending time on non-issues like the house of the opposition leader. This type of over critical and negative presentation of the governmental efforts to address the issues are creating a demoralized state of affairs which would further aggravate the sufferings of the poor and ordinary people.
My above brief is to point out that the media, print or electronic, should not be above public scrutiny while enjoying full freedom to criticize other institutions and organs of governance and social change. The media is required to be put under public scrutiny to make them feel that they are not deviating from the ethical aspects of effective journalism. I am not promoting any governmental restrictions on news or talk shows; but a need for self-censorship and responsible journalism, and to promote public confidence.
By the way, please do not pay unusual attention to scoop news from the aggrieved political leaders. Their credibility is highly questionable and the media should not make them temporary "political heroes". One other thing is very important to mention here: trial of war criminals. A lot of doubts are shown by some quarters. Let us start the process. If anybody has any good suggestion, give it to the appropriate cell of the government, instead of throwing it on the air without any details. This will only confuse the public opinion and disturb the process.
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