Staff Reporter:
Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon said that lack of gender sensitivity is not merely a psychological issue of individuals; rather it reflects a broader deficit in collective values.
“If basic values of society and state can be ensured, gender sensitivity will be achieved organically,” he said while addressing the unveiling of the manual titled ‘Gender Sensitivity in Journalism’ at a seminar held at the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) in the capital yesterday.
PIB, Jago Foundation and Plan International Bangladesh jointly organized the event.
Swapon said both politicians and media professionals must remain constantly engaged with the people. The goal of politicians is to exercise state power and serve the public, while the role of the media is to provide objective news.
He said that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s government believes in the freedom of mass media, as only a strong and independent media can hold political power accountable.
Regarding the impact of mobile journalism and social media, the information minister said, “Nowadays, anyone with a Smartphone can create content. Although many call it ‘mojo’ journalism, it is in fact a global challenge.”
Noting that the government does not want to impose unilateral decisions to address the existing problems in the media sector, the minister said, “The Prime Minister has already held a meeting with newspaper owners. Meetings will also be held with editors and television owners in phases. Necessary steps will be taken to resolve problems based on stakeholders’ proposals.”
Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana spoke as the special guest at the event, with PIB Director General Farooq Wasif in the chair.
Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs Shabnam Mostari and Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh Kabita Bose also spoke.
