Greater press freedom in Bangladesh than elsewhere, says minister

Information minister Hasan Mahmud on Tuesday claimed that Bangladesh has been enjoying greater press freedom than other countries of the world.

He came up with the remarks after holding a meeting with the visiting chairmen of press councils of India, Turkey, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan at the secretariat.

In a country like the United Kingdom, the minister said, the publication of 108-year-old newspaper was forced to shut down following publishing of wrong news.

Besides, many officials, including executive director of an institution like the BBC resigned following broadcasting of wrong information about an MP, he added.

The country's press needs to be more dutiful and responsible, Mahmud said.

The minister said that the Bangladesh government issued licenses to 44 televisions channels of them 33 are already now on air.

Besides, there are also 200 newspapers and 3,000 web portals being operational from across the country, including the capital.

News Courtesy: www.newagebdnet