Image vs objectivity

Even more outrageous is the reason he proffers in suggesting that the Press Council Act of 1974 should be amended. But we fail to see any connection between what he says as increase in criminal tendencies in the society and amendment of the said Act!

What he has said amounts to gagging and stifling of the press and he owes to the people to explicate his motivations in suggesting thus.

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It is only through the free press that the accountability and transparency of public and political figures and institutions can be guaranteed. A free press is an important adjunct of a vibrant democracy and a sine qua non of its efficacy, that rest considerably on transparency of behaviour and accountability of the acts of politicians and public servants.

Are we to understand that reports such as that of the dealings between a foreign company and an ex-state minister, which involved more than a mere jeep, it was a question of our vital national interest, should not have been published because of some unfounded apprehension of loss of national image? Or for that matter reports on the underhand dealings costing hundred of millions of Taka at Chittagong port or the under the table deal involving public servants that prevent timely implementation of foreign funded projects should not have been made public at all?

Image of a nation does not rest on falsehood, lies and suppression of facts; on the contrary, these are what not only slight our image abroad, they impinge on our vital national interest also.

Our press cannot be expected to deviate from its bounden duty, which is, ensuring the people's right to know the truth.