Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman, popularly known as Partho, said Thursday that the government will not impede press freedom or interfere in professional duties of journalists.

“The government will not interfere in any way in the freedom of the media or the professional work of journalists,” he said while addressing a program arranged to mark the 31st founding anniversary of Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) in the capital. 

Yeaser Khan Chowdhury, the state minister for information and broadcasting, was also present at the program.

“The media plays a significant role in Bangladesh's democratic journey, and the government is committed to ensuring an environment for a free and responsible press,” Partho said.

“We are where we are today because the media exists. The media has always played a role, and because of that role, we have achieved what we have achieved,” he added.

He went on to say that the media’s contribution to the country’s democratic development is comparable to that of other key stakeholders.

Addressing the journalists present, Partho, who ascended to the ministry as part of a quite significant cabinet reshuffle by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman last month, “InshaAllah, you will have free media during our time. We have no intention of interfering with the media or your journalism in any way.”

State Minister Yeaser, meanwhile, disclosed that the government is taking an initiative to increase the allocation for the Journalist Welfare Trust from Tk 6 crore to Tk 25 crore.

A proposal in this regard has already been sent, and discussions have been held, with the Finance Ministry, who vet such proposals for feasibility keeping the government's 

DRU leaders and journalists working at different media outlets attended the program. The organisation was founded 31 years ago as the only professional body for all working reporters based in capital Dhaka.