Media freedom essential for democracy: TIB

Speakers at a programme said a developed and prosperous state can never be built by suppressing any dissenting opinion.

“Democracy and development complement each other. Democracy is essential if development is to be meaningful. And freedom of media is essential for democracy,” they also said.

Speakers placed the opinions at a discussion meeting organized by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on the occasion of International Anti-Corruption Day.

The discussion meeting was held at the TIB office in Dhanmondi of the capital on Saturday.

Anti-Corruption Investigative Journalism Award, 2023 was presented by TIB on the occasion. TIB Chairperson Sultana Kamal presided over the event. 

Sultana Kamal said, "Some say that it has become tolerant from zero tolerance. I would like to add, not only tolerated, but indulged. Not only is corruption being tolerated, human rights violations are being tolerated, injustice is being tolerated, but shelter is also being given. The limit has been exceeded a little more than the tolerance.”

Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of TIB, said, “If development is to be meaningful for the people, then democracy is essential. And by ensuring democracy, people's freedom of speech, freedom of media, freedom of expression, real development can be meaningful. Media freedom is essential for democracy. Freedom of the media is one of the fundamental human rights. Among the non-state forces that hold governments accountable, the media is at the top.”

Riaz Ahmed, executive editor of Dhaka Tribune; Shahnaz Munni, chief news editor of News 24; Zulfikar Ali Manik, planning consultant of Baisakhi Television; Badruddozza Babu, trainer of investigative journalism; and Ashish Saikat, chief news editor of Independent Television, spoke at the discussion meeting. 

/MHK/