State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury on Friday said the government believes in a free press and is committed to ensuring a safe working environment for journalists.

“The government firmly believes in the full freedom of the media and has ensured a favorable environment for journalists to perform their professional duties without any fear or intimidation,” he said, while addressing the orientation of the 'Rafiq Hilali English Excellence Programme-2026' and a reception for outstanding SSC and Dakhil students as chief guest at Kendua Upazila Public Hall in Netrokona.

He also said, “Along with ensuring press freedom the Press Council is also working to prevent ‘yellow journalism’ and misinformation to maintain professional standards.”

He informed that an initiative has been taken to increase the budget allocation for the Journalist Welfare Trust to Tk 25 crore from the existing Tk 6 crore.

“A proposal in this regard has already been sent to the Finance Ministry,” he added.

Addressing the students, the state minister said merely achieving GPA-5 or good academic results is not enough; rather, they must grow up as humane and ideal citizens.

“True success comes from practicing morality and showing respect to one's family, teachers, and the country,” he said.

He mentioned that local playgrounds are being modernized to engage grassroots youth in sports and initiatives to teach Chinese and Arabic languages online and on television are also being launched.

The program was chaired by Netrokona-3 (Kendua-Atpara) MP Dr Rafiqul Islam Hilali. Mymensingh-8 MP Lutfullahel Majed Babu, Netrokona Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Mun Mun Jahan Liza, Kendua Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sanjida Chowdhury, and District Press Club Secretary Mahbubul Kibria Chowdhury Helim, among others, spoke at the event.