Yasser Khan Choudhury says govt wants free media but will act against anti-democratic activities

TDS Desk:

State minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury on Sundady said the government wants to ensure freedom of the press. “However, under the prevailing laws, whoever works against democracy, seeks to destroy democracy, or supports terrorism — no matter who they are — they are not above the law.

Action will be taken against them under existing laws,” he said.

He made the remarks in the parliament while replying to a supplementary question from NCP lawmaker Hasnat Abdullah during the question-and-answer session chaired by Speaker Hafiz Uddin Ahmad.

In the absence of Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, the state minister answered the question.

In his supplementary question, Hasnat said, “Journalists’ professional security is essential. Even in the hostile environment of the past 17 years, many professional journalists have carried out their duties with dedication. But my question is: what does the government think about those so‑called journalists during the Awami League era who justified enforced disappearances, killings, vote rigging, bank robberies, massacres, and manufactured consent in favour of them?”

The state minister responded: “Journalists, politicians, businessmen, or employees — none are above the law. If anyone acts against the law, the BNP‑led government will certainly take action under existing laws.”

Rafiqul Islam Hilali, MP for Netrokona‑3, raised concerns about journalists’ safety while investigating online gambling and cybercrime. In reply, the state minister said work is underway to update policies for journalists working in online and digital media, including provisions for recognition, registration, and professional security.

Answering a question from Zainul Abdin Farroque, MP for Noakhali‑2, the state minister said a team is monitoring individuals spreading misinformation and disinformation on social media.

Replying to a question from Lutfur Rahman, MP for Cox’s Bazar‑3, the state minister said a policy is being drafted for approval of new online portals and digital media.

Later, Information Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan, in a scripted answer to a query, said currently 1,244 daily, weekly, and monthly newspapers in total are published from Dhaka. In response to a written question from BNP MP Nilufar Moni (reserved seat), he provided the breakdown: 585 dailies, 363 weeklies, and 296 monthlies published from Dhaka. Of these, 288 dailies, 56 weeklies, and 23 monthlies are listed in the official media registry.

Answering a question from Mostafizur Rahman Babul, MP for Jamalpur‑3, the minister said the number of newspapers registered with the Department of Films and Publications (DFP) is 721.

In reply to Anisur Rahman, MP for Madaripur‑3, the minister said that to ensure journalists’ rights, safety, and working environment, the Press Council Act of 1974 is being updated to transform the Press Council into a stronger, more effective, and media‑friendly institution.