Deputy Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Chowdhury has said the current government believes in full freedom of the press and has ensured an environment where journalists can carry out their professional duties without fear or hindrance.
He made the remarks as chief guest at the orientation class for the “Rafiq Hilali English Excellence Program 2026” and a felicitation ceremony for students who achieved distinction in the SSC and Dakhil examinations, held Friday afternoon at Kendua Upazila Public Hall in Netrokona.
Responding to questions from journalists after the event on issues affecting their professional welfare, the deputy information minister said an initiative has been taken to raise the Journalists’ Welfare Trust’s fixed budget allocation from 60 million taka to 250 million taka, with a related proposal sent to the finance ministry.
He also said: “Alongside ensuring press freedom, work is underway through the Press Council to curb ‘yellow journalism’ and malpractice and to uphold professional standards.”
When journalists raised the issue of facilities for students in the haor (wetland) region and the need for a separate academic calendar, the deputy minister said: “This is a national issue. The government is reviewing the travel and education needs of students in the haor region with great importance, and a positive decision will be made soon.”
Addressing students in his remarks as chief guest, the deputy minister said: “Achieving GPA-5 or good results alone is not enough — students must grow into humane, ideal citizens. True success comes only through practicing ethics while remaining respectful toward family, teachers and the country.”
He said sports fields are being modernized to involve grassroots youth in athletics, and special programs for learning Chinese and Arabic are being launched online and on television.
Presided over by Netrokona-3 (Kendua-Atpara) constituency lawmaker Dr. Rafiqul Islam Hilali, special guests at the event included Mymensingh-8 constituency lawmaker Lutfullahel Majed Babu; Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Moon Moon Jahan Liza; Kendua Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sanjida Chowdhury; and district press club editor Mahbubul Kibria Chowdhury Helim.
The event, which began at 10 a.m., was attended by Kendua upazila BNP leaders, district administration officials, teachers, students, journalists and guardians.