There is no pressure from the government on the media, said Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md Nahid Islam.
Speaking at a programme organised by the Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust to distribute welfare grants and scholarship cheques to the children of journalists martyred and injured in the July Uprising, he said the rehabilitation of fascism under the guise of media freedom would not be tolerated.
The event took place at the Tathya Bhaban in Dhaka on Thursday.
He mentioned that the government’s initiative to provide scholarships for journalists' children is a groundbreaking step, which will alleviate the financial burden on journalists' families.
Reflecting on the sacrifices made by journalists during the July Uprising, the adviser acknowledged that many journalists played a significant role in resisting fascism, while others sadly collaborated with it.
He also highlighted the need for a thorough discussion and critique of the media's role over the past 15 years.
Assuring support for the families of journalists martyred or injured during the mass uprising, he said that the interim government would honour and recognise their contributions.
“The government is also considering providing a monthly retirement allowance to senior and distinguished journalists,” he added.
While welcoming media criticism, the adviser reiterated that the government imposes no pressure on the media.
A total of Tk 1, 80, 26,000 was distributed to the families of 463 journalists during the donation ceremony.
The heads of departments and organisations under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, as well as journalists from both print and electronic media were also present.
