‘Action against upstart online media assassinating characters’

Senior Correspondent: New Information Minister Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday vowed to take action against upstart online media operating in the country.

He made his promise while talking to reporters on the first day of taking charge of the Information Ministry.

“There’re a lot of upstart online news portals now. At times, they publish wrong news assassinating characters,” he told the reporters.

“I’ll deal with the issue with your (media and journalists) help,” he added.

Hasan said the media acted as the fourth pillar of the state and the mirror of society.

“I’ve been involved with the media for a long time,” he said adding, “Journalists have many problems. I know about some and will try to learn about others.”

After he was sworn into office on Monday, Hasan said he would “consider providing state assistance to good media outlets” who are “unable to perform smoothly for various obstacles.”

Hasan said the mass media have developed in the hands of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Electronic media made its journey when she came to power. Online media have also developed during her tenure. The development of social networking sites has taken place during her time. This is how she is going ahead facing various challenges.


risingbd/Dhaka/Jan 8, 2019/Noimuddin/AI