The main task of journalism is to question power, Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapon said on Tuesday, stressing that an independent and institutionalised media is essential for state reform.

“An elected and democratic government considers questions an asset. The more questions are asked, the more accountable the government can be and the more clearly it can explain its responsibilities and work to people,” he said.

Line between yellow and responsible journalism increasingly blurred: Zahir Uddin Swapon

Swapon was speaking at a discussion organised to mark the 43rd founding anniversary of a Daily Janata at the Jatiya Press Club.

“The media will present a plurality of views and provide objective information. This is the main foundation of an independent media,” he said.

The government is ready to provide policy support to strengthen and institutionalise the media sector while protecting the interests of all those involved with newspapers, said the adviser.

“As the fourth pillar of the state, the media must be institutionalised with utmost importance. The elected government led by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is working to reform the state, and this requires active cooperation from the media,” he said.

He called for a strong and institutionalised media sector to help make the ‘New Bangladesh’ and state reform programmes a success.

Swapon said the government would provide necessary policy support so newspaper owners can invest safely and ensure their investments become profitable.

He also stressed the need to protect the interests of everyone working in the media industry including editors, journalists and printing press workers.

Regarding the power and energy crisis, the adviser said the country is facing a fragile economy due to the previous government’s 17-year-long wrong energy policies, unplanned projects and widespread corruption.

He said the government is sincerely working to overcome the crises it has inherited.

He further said people have placed their trust in the BNP and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman because they believe they have the ability and integrity to resolve the crises left by the previous government and free the people from the harmful effects of the previous regime.

On the role of the media, he said everyone must remain alert so that supporters of the previous regime cannot exploit the media under the guise of constructive criticism.