BANGLADESH: Stick to professional ethics

Information minister says media mishandled coverage of the BDR mutiny in February, asks journalists to "be committed to the country as well as its people"

The Daily Star
Thursday, July 30, 2009

Information Minister Abul Kalam Azad yesterday called on the journalist community to stick to their professional ethics and basic humanitarian values to stand the test of time in history.

Citing that journalists play a critical role in establishing democracy and accountability of the public institutions, he said, "Journalists must maintain ethical standards and increase their knowledge before disseminating it."

The minister said this at the prize giving ceremony titled "Best Article Competition 2009" jointly organised by International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) and Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) at a city hotel.

A total of seven reporters from both the English and Bangla dailies received awards at the function.

Speaking as the chief guest, Azad said the proliferation of technological advancement does not mean that the world is aware of everything, he said, adding: "Neither it guarantees you objectivity or balanced reporting."

The minister was critical of the media's initial handling of the February 25-26 BDR mutiny, saying that such a sensitive issue could have been handled better.

"You should be committed to the country as well as its people," Azad said, asking the journalists to play a supportive role in the government's positive action.

Inaugurating the programme, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Hasan Mahmud said journalists play pivotal role in alerting the government of any disasters, particularly the issues of humanitarian and natural disaster.

In his keynote paper, Dr Asif Nazrul said the country's media is generally impartial in reporting human rights issues, but biased in terms of political views.

Executive Editor of the daily Sangbad Manjurul Ahsan Bulbul said mainstream media here has become quite mature, adding that good journalism means good business.

ICRC Head of Mission Finn Ruda said the central point for every journalist is the importance to understand the law of armed conflict.

President of Commonwealth Journalist Association International Hassan Shahriar, ICRC Incoming Head of Delegation Christoph Vogt, AP Bureau Chief Farid Hossain and DRU President Shamim Ahmad also spoke.

Date Posted: 7/30/2009