State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury has said the present government believes in full freedom for the media and has ensured an environment where journalists can perform their professional duties without fear or intimidation. He made the remarks as the chief guest at an orientation session of the ‘Rafique Hilali English Excellence Programme-2026’ and a reception for students who achieved outstanding results in the SSC and Dakhil examinations at Kendua Upazila Public Hall in Netrokona on Friday (September 4).
Speaking to journalists after the programme and responding to questions about their professional welfare, the state minister said the government has taken an initiative to increase the annual allocation for the Journalist Welfare Trust from Tk 6 crore to Tk 25 crore.
He said a proposal in this regard has already been sent to the Ministry of Finance.
The state minister also said that alongside ensuring press freedom, efforts are underway through the Press Council to prevent “yellow journalism” and unethical journalistic practices while maintaining professional standards.
Responding to journalists’ concerns about providing better educational facilities for students in the haor areas and introducing a separate academic calendar for them, Yaser Khan Chowdhury said the matter is of national importance.
“The government is reviewing the issues of transportation and educational facilities for students in the haor regions with utmost importance, and a positive decision will be taken soon,” he said.
Focus on values beyond academic results
Addressing the students, the state minister said achieving a GPA-5 or securing good academic results alone is not enough.
“Students must develop themselves as humane and ideal citizens. True success can be achieved by practising morality and showing respect to their families, teachers and the country,” he said.
He also said the government is modernising sports grounds to encourage young people at the grassroots level to participate in sports.
In addition, special programmes for learning Chinese and Arabic are being introduced through online platforms and television, he said.
The programme was chaired by Dr Rafiqul Islam Hilali, Member of Parliament for Netrokona-3 (Kendua-Atpara).
MP Lutfullahhel Majed Babu of Mymensingh-8, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Moon Moon Jahan Liza, Kendua Upazila Nirbahi Officer Sanjida Chowdhury and Netrokona District Press Club Secretary Mahbubul Kibria Chowdhury Helim also spoke at the event as special guests.
The programme began at 10am and was attended by local BNP leaders, officials of the district administration, teachers, students, journalists and guardians.