Don't want to make media hostile: PM Tarique tells Noab

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said he does not want to create hostility with journalists or media outlets, Newspaper Owners' Association of Bangladesh (Noab) President and Manab Zamin Editor Matiur Rahman Chowdhury told reporters today (21 April).

"We talked about press freedom. On that, he [the PM] said he does not want to make anyone hostile. No head of state or government has said this before," Matiur said after a meeting between Noab leaders and Tarique at the Secretariat, where they discussed press freedom, industry challenges and broader media concerns.

Matiur added that Noab appreciated the PM's stated commitment to liberal democratic values and expressed willingness to support the government if it continues on that path.

"We told him he is moving in the direction of liberal democracy, which is positive for Bangladesh," he said.

The media industry's financial strain and sustainability challenges were also raised during the meeting.

"He listened carefully. He understands this industry, having been associated with a newspaper for a long time," the Noab president said.

He said the prime minister responded positively to several proposals, though some measures would take time. The delegation also raised concerns over harassment of journalists, including cases and detention.

"We told him there are journalists in legal trouble. He said the government will review whether anyone is in custody without valid grounds and consider bail where applicable," Matiur said.

He added that the prime minister assured continued engagement with media stakeholders and agreed to hold such meetings every three months.

Senior Noab members, including outgoing president AK Azad, Prothom Alo Editor and Publisher Matiur Rahman, The Daily Star Editor Mahfuz Anam, Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud, and Financial Express Publisher Nasim Manzur, were present at the meeting.