Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam attended an Iftar-mahfil organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at Tathya Bhaban in the capital today. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Mar 22, 2025 (BSS)- Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam has said independence of press is meaningless without its accountability to people.

He said this at an Iftar-mahfil organized by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting at Tathya Bhaban in the capital today.

Information Secretary Mahbuba Farjana, heads of various departments and organizations under the ministry and leaders of media organizations joined the iftar.
Criticizing the role of the media in the last 16 years, Mahfuj Alam said at that time journalist organizations operated their activities by keeping relations with business syndicates and political groups, which is very unfortunate for the nation.

He said discipline will be established in the media after discussing with the relevant stakeholders as per the recommendations of the Media Reform Commission.

The government will take necessary initiatives to increase the salaries and other benefits of media workers to a reasonable level, the adviser said.

He said it is necessary to free journalists from the influence of owners and editors to ensure the independence of mass media.

He sought the cooperation of all concerned including media owners and journalists to bring necessary reform in mass media.