Let the Press be free

Today is World Press Freedom Day. Every year, May 3 is observed as the World Press Freedom Day. Free speech is the most important tool for self-governance in a modern democratic society. The countries that have greater freedom of press tend to have strong democratic governance and less corruption. Watchdog, one of the most important roles of the media, can only be ensured if it is free.

Information Minister Hasanul Haq Inu greeted all including media entrepreneur, researcher and activist on the occasion of the day. He said that the day is very significant as Bangladesh sees free development and massive expansion of media at this moment. Not only the government but also all persons related to media can play a vital role to take this development of the media forward.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Marcia Stephens Bloom Bernicat said in a statement that we have to protect the freedom of the Press as one of the fundamental rights to facilitate the citizens around the globe. Journalists can play a key role to enhance the democracy of a country. They can highlight the real picture of a society. They can also help to bring the administration to accountability and ensure good governance. As the journalists protect our democracy, we should also protect them. This day gives opportunity to realise how important the freedom of the press is.

Today mass media are encountering a barrage of pressures around the world. Every year, a good number of journalists are losing their lives in an attempt to free the voices of the Press. They are falling in danger. They are being humiliated and persecuted. Sometimes, they are to stay behind bars.  However, they continued their jobs bravely for the cause of their profession. They remain very alert to retain the theme of democracy and uphold the democracy in the country in order to protect democratic ideals. To do this, they are to become victims of harassment. They receive threats and sometimes turn into a target.

According to some organizations that observe freedom of expression around the globe, global risk on media is on the rise. Especially risks are higher in the third world where competition exists for grabbing power. Bangladesh is among the countries where freedom of the Press is being contracted.

We have gained this freedom at the cost of much sacrifice. The people of Bangladesh are very proud as a nation. Here today, massive development of the Press has taken place. More than two and a half thousand newspapers are being published. Moreover, there are a good number of private TV channels and FM radios. Internet based portals have already exceeded the thousand. Democracy is only developed where the Press is free. We have to protect the freedom of the Press as one of the fundamental rights to facilitate the citizens around the country. We want that the mass media develop in the country.
 
risingbd/Dhaka/May 3, 2016/Shahnewaz/Amirul