The role of free, independent and responsible media is very important in taking the country forward, said Information Minister Hasan Mahmud.
“Ensuring freedom of the press is our collective responsibility," said the minister, according to a press release issued on Sunday marking The World Press Freedom Day. The day is being observed in Bangladesh and elsewhere in the world amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Journalists and those associated with the media in Bangladesh are working at great risk in this global catastrophic situation, he said, adding that one journalist had already died from coronavirus in the country.
"Our government believes in freedom of the media," he said, adding that there has been a huge expansion of media in the country in the last 11 years during the time of Awami League-led government.
In this regard, he further added that the number of daily and weekly newspapers in the country in 2009 was 445 and 208, which have increased to 1,294 and 1,208 respectively in 2020.
In 2009, there were two state televisions which have increased to four now, said the minister.
Regarding private television stations, he said there were only 10 TV stations at the beginning of 2009 -- now there are 45 stations.
In addition, 24 FM radio stations have been approved, most of which are broadcasting.
There was no community radio in 2009, but there are 32 community radios in the country now and many of which are broadcasting, the minister added.
In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly declared May 3 as the World Press Freedom Day to raise awareness on the importance of freedom of press and remind governments of their duty to respect and uphold the right to freedom of expression enshrined under Article 19 of the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
This year, the theme of the day is ‘journalism without fear or favour’.
In April, media watchdog Reporters Without Borders released World Press Freedom Index 2020 globally.
Bangladesh ranked 151 out of 180 countries in the index 2020 after sliding one spot compared to last year.
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