DHAKA, Dec 11, 2022 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud today said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has played a unique and groundbreaking role for the development of mass media and welfare of journalists of the country.
 
"A vast revolution has taken place in the country's private television and radio sectors under the supervision of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. There are now 45 private TV channels, 27 FM radios and 32 community radios got license. The number of newspapers has increased three times in the last 14 years," he said.
 
The minister said this while addressing a roundtable meeting on 'independence of mass media and human rights' organised by the Resident Coordinator Office of the United Nations at a hotel in the capital.
 
Hasan said freedom of expression and equal rights of all people are enshrined in our constitution and the mass media of the country is not only working freely but also flourishing rapidly.
 
About the Digital Security Act (DSA), the minister said Bangladesh has turned into a digital state and the act is to ensure the security and dignity of all digital platforms. The act is not for any special person, group or profession, said Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary.
 
He said the act has also many countries including India, Pakistan, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States and European countries. The government remained alert to prevent misuse of the law, Hasan added.
 
In her speech, Resident Coordinator of the UN Gwyn Lewis said Bangladesh has been elected as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 5th time by securing record votes. 
 
She also mentioned the rapid development of mass media in the country.
 
Switzerland Ambassador in Dhaka Nathalie Chuard addressed the meeting as special guest while Bangladesh Press Council Chairman Justice Nizamul Haque Nasim, Transparency International Bangladesh executive director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, Editors Guild president Mozammel Haque Babu, the daily Ittefaq editor Tasmima Hossain, Article 19 Bangladesh Chapter head Faruque Faisal, Professor Dr Kabery Gayen and second secretary of Japan Embassy to Bangladesh Kobayashi Yoshiaki, among others, spoke.