Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan on Thursday said journalism is an extremely difficult profession and that, in his personal view, responsibilities of journalists is even more challenging than those of politicians.

“If you write in my favour, I will be happy. If you write against me, I will be unhappy,” he said, adding that there will be no scope for raising questions if journalists remain neutral and objective.

The minister made the remarks while speaking at a programme organised on the Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) premises to mark its 31st founding anniversary.

“Therefore, there is an easy way to do this difficult job. I will say it in one word. The word is ‘objectivity’,” he said. “When you remain objective, you will not face any of these problems.”

Describing journalists as the fourth estate, Moyeen Khan urged them to recognise their importance, saying remaining objective will make it easier for them to perform their professional responsibilities.

He also praised the role played by the DRU.

“Among the many organisations of journalists, as far as I know, DRU is perhaps one of the institutions that has worked, as far as possible, within the boundaries of its responsibilities,” the minister said.

He expressed his respect for the organisation and urged its members to preserve its character and principles.

“I do not need to tell you this anew, but I will say it nevertheless: you should maintain this character of yours. As you have done for 31 years today, if you continue to maintain it, the people of Bangladesh will respect you,” Moyeen Khan said.

State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Abu Abdullah M Saleh (Saleh Shibly), National Editors’ Council President and Jaijaidin Editor Shafik Rehman, Press Institute Bangladesh Director General Faruque Wasif, DRU President Abu Saleh Akon and General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, among others, were present at the programme.