Information and Broadcasting Minister Zaher Uddin Swapan MP, on Monday said that an independent media plays the most crucial role in ensuring a government's accountability.
He made the remark while addressing a function as the chief guest at the Senate Hall of Jahangirnagar University (JU), marking the charge handover ceremony and farewell reception of the Jahangirnagar University Journalists’ Association (JUJA).
“The more accountable a government remains to its people, the clearer and more effective its democratic journey becomes. An independent media serves as the primary instrument of that accountability,” the minister said.
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Describing journalism as a noble profession, he said, “It ultimately serves the people, who are the true owners of the nation.”
“If journalists fail to stand for people, democracy and reason, the essence of the media does not remain,” he added.
Minister also stressed the need to identify and face the existing challenges to uphold ethical standards and patriotic values in journalism.
He expressed hope that young journalists would further sharpen their creativity and protect the dignity of the profession with sincerity.
JU Vice Chancellor Prof Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan attended the programme as the guest of honour.
“Journalists should create comfort for those in distress and discomfort for those who unjustly enjoy facilities. That is the true role of the media,” he said.
He also urged journalists to act responsibly so that past governance failures are not repeated, adding that they must have the courage to engage in constructive criticism while distinguishing it clearly from defamation.
Outgoing JUJA President Mehedi Mamun chaired the programme, while outgoing General Secretary Abdullah Al Mamun and newly elected General Secretary Razib Rayhan conducted it.
Among others, Pro Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof Dr Mohammad Mahfuzur Rahman, Pro Vice Chancellor (Administration) Prof Dr Sohel Ahmed, Treasurer Prof Dr Md Abdur Rob, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences Prof Dr Md Shamsul Alam, Acting Dean of the Faculty of Biological Sciences Prof Mohammad Mafruhi Sattar, Proctor Prof Dr AKM Rashidul Alam and Chairman of the Mathematics Department Prof Dr Muhammad Nazrul Islam also spoke.
JUCSU Vice-President Abdur Rashid Jitu, teachers, students and leaders of different political and cultural organisations were present.
Meanwhile, after the programme, guests released fish fry into the lake in front of the JUCSU building and planted saplings in front of the Teachers-Students Centre (TSC) as part of a tree plantation programme.