Staff Reporter:
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring media freedom, describing any attack on the press as an attack on civilisation itself.
“We are pledged bound to protect press freedom,” he said.
The minister made the remarks while speaking to reporters after visiting the office of the daily Prothom Alo at Karwan Bazar in the capital on Saturday afternoon.
Swapan said the government views the recent destruction at the newspaper’s office with serious concern.
“A close look that left a trail of destruction has been carried out suggests that an anti-civilisation mindset was at work behind it,” he said.
Emphasising the importance of protecting media independence, the minister stated that the government is fully committed to upholding press freedom and ensuring a safe environment for journalists and media institutions to operate.
“The state and government will always remain vigilant and take necessary steps so that such evil forces do not find shelter in society in any way,” he added.
Swapan also underscored the importance of accountability, asserting that all crimes must be brought under judicial scrutiny.
Prime Minister’s Education Adviser Mahdi Amin was present during the visit.
