Information Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud termed constructive criticism as the ‘Beauty of Democracy’. He also said democracy is ruined without criticism.
“We think there should be criticism. Constructive criticism is the beauty of democracy and everyone should have the mentality of appreciating criticism,” he said while addressing the biennial conference of Chattogram Press Club (CPC) at its auditorium in the port city on Tuesday.
The minister also said BNP secretary general Mirza Fakhrul is criticising the government every day in the morning while Rizvi Ahmed is criticising in the afternoon every day.
“Besides, Gayshwar Ray or other BNP leaders are also giving statements against the government. After that, they are telling that they have no rights of talking even after giving statements three times daily”, he further said.
“BNP leaders are spreading hatred against the government throughout the day. But, in the evening, they are telling that ‘we have no rights of talking,” said Hasan also the Awami League joint general secretary.
He said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina practices the culture of appreciating criticism.
“When I took the charges of Ministry of Environment, I personally nominated a name of a newspaper for the national environment award which satirically published my cartoons on their front page. And they got the award,” he added.
He said there will be criticism if anyone is in the charge and the ministers will have to be the mentality to endure the criticism. Otherwise, a multi-dimensional social system will not be formed, he added.
Hassan Mahmoud said a report by a UK research firm had been published. It said Bangladesh will be the 28th largest economy of the world in 2030. Bangladesh will be the 25th largest economy in the world in 2035. Only 22 countries in the world have been able to sustain positive GDP growth during the coronavirus pandemic.
Journalists have played a strong and important role in dealing with coronavirus, he said.
Mentioning that Chittagong Press Club is working for the welfare of all people, the Information Minister said, “This press club members work for the people of all walks of life.”
Chittagong Press Club is a place of professionalism and excellence. I thank everyone in the press club for this, he added.
