Chief Whip Md Nurul Islam Moni on Tuesday urged the media to maintain balanced reporting by highlighting positive national developments alongside constructive and rational criticism.

Speaking as the chief guest at a programme marking the 27th founding anniversary of Ekushey TV at its Karwan Bazar office in the capital, he cited recent coverage of the Eastern Refinery to stress his point.

The Chief Whip noted that while the refinery's closure received significant coverage, the arrival of two oil ships waiting to be unloaded at the port went largely unreported.

Highlighting the government's commitment to the people, he mentioned that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working tirelessly for economic liberation.

Moni said the Prime Minister inaugurated the "Farmers’ Card" scheme on Tuesday to support the agricultural sector.

"Earlier, the Prime Minister inaugurated various initiatives to implement the election manifesto, including family cards and the payment of salaries and allowances to imams, muezzins, and religious leaders of other faiths," he added.

Reflecting on the struggle to restore democracy and fundamental rights, the Chief Whip praised Ekushey TV for its "courageous role" in broadcasting the speeches of Tarique Rahman during a period when such broadcasts were banned by the then administration.

He noted that the current chairman of the channel even faced imprisonment for maintaining this editorial stance during those difficult times.

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yeaser Khan Choudhury delivered the welcome speech at the event, which was organised under the theme "Committed to Change."

The anniversary celebrations included the cutting of a cake and a cultural programme. The chairman and vice chairman of Ekushey TV also addressed the gathering, which was attended by journalists, crew members, and media professionals.