C T Online Desk: Terming press as the fourth state, Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said journalists unearth the unknown stories and hidden truths of the society.
Tremendous development has been brought during the last 13 years of Awami League government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, he added.
He made the remarks while addressing the Bashundhara Media Award 2021 ceremony as the chief guest on Monday night at ICCB in the capital.
The minister said, “Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina before the parliamentary polls told a programme in Jatiya Press Club that she will do something for professional safeguard and up-gradation of journalists. In line with her commitment, the government has initiated Mass Media Law. When the law will be passed in the parliament, the service of the journalists will be more secure.”
Dispelling controversy over Digital Security Act, he said the law is passed by the government to protect all citizens, not journalists alone.
If any rumour or fake information is spread against anybody, the law is expected to give legal redress to the affected person, he added.
He further said, “About more contribution of the government, the number of dailies have increased from 450 to 1250 and TV channels from 10 38. An example will suffice to know the development of the online news portals. Earlier, online portal was handful. Around 5000 applications received by the government for online portals.”
