Religious Affairs Adviser  AFM Khalid Hossain has said that journalists play a vital role in encouraging officials to perform their duties with sincerity and integrity, particularly through accurate and responsible reporting on his ministry.

“I have received tremendous support from journalists since taking charge. We are more encouraged to do good work because they are reporting news about the Ministry of Religion correctly,” he said.

The advisor made the remarks during a view-exchange meeting with the newly elected leaders of the Religious Reporters Forum (RRF), an organisation of religion-beat reporters, held at the Secretariat on Monday.

Addressing past criticism, Khalid said that some officials appointed to the Ministry of Religious Affairs during the previous Awami League government have been accused of being aligned with authoritarian practices.

“Many are demanding their removal from the ministry. But thousands of people are involved in this institution — it's not realistic to remove everyone. What matters is whether those currently in place are honest and committed. However, we are keeping a close watch to ensure no untoward incidents occur,” he said.

He called on journalists to practise constructive criticism, especially when reporting on issues related to the ministry or the Hajj.

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“When covering news about the Ministry of Religion or Hajj, it is important to include the Ministry’s statement alongside the report. Otherwise, the news becomes one-sided,” he said.

He assured reporters that the ministry will extend full cooperation in facilitating their work and news gathering.