Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud has said that multidimensional and democratic society is harmed if the media do not work
properly.
He made the remarks while addressing the concluding day of 'Basic Training Workshop in Journalism' organized by PIB at Kaptai Upazila Auditorium on Friday.
Hassan Mahmud said, “We live in a democratic-multidimensional society, the mirror of this society is the media, the media is the fourth pillar of the state. So when the media does not work properly, multidimensional society and democratic society suffer.”
The workshop was organized at Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) for journalists from Rangunia, Raozan and Kaptai, Rajsthali and Kaukhali upazilas of Rangamati district.
Hasan Mahmud said, “Journalism is not just a profession, it is a vow for many. There are many journalists who could have retired as secretaries if they had entered the government service. Many have left university jobs to pursue a career in journalism.
“The good boys of the university study journalism and come to this profession with love for journalism. We have to keep an eye on the personal notoriety of a couple of fake journalists in the name of journalism so that they do not tarnish the entire journalistic community.”
Regarding determining the qualifications of journalists, Minister Hasan Mahmud said, “Many people say that it is necessary to determine an educational qualification to enter journalism when you go to various programs of different journalists' organizations. But I am personally against it.
“Because there are many people in the world who did not have a degree, but they are very knowledgeable. Poet, Kazi Nazrul did not pass the metric. Bill Gates has dropped out of university three times. But their knowledge has enlightened the world.
Their knowledge is researched, they get PhD degree.”
He said, “There are many journalists who just pass the metric, but he writes very well. Again, there are many journalists who cannot write a good report even after passing the Masters. So I am personally against determining the degree.
"Journalist leaders across the country say there is a need to set a strategy for doing journalism, so that no one can get into journalism. Many people claim to be journalists by opening an online. Their purpose is not journalism, their purpose is different. We have to be aware of this.”
PIB Director General Zafar Wazed presided over the function. Rangunia Press Club General Secretary Jigarul Islam Jigar conducting the program. Rangamati Deputy Commissioner Md. Mizanur Rahman, Superintendent of Police Mir Modacher Hossain, Additional Deputy Commissioner Md. Mamun were special guests on the occasion.
Kaptai Upazila Executive Officer Muntasir Jahan, Additional Superintendent of Police Raushan Ara Rob, Rangunia Municipality Mayor Md Shahjahan Sikder, Kaptai Upazila Awami League General Secretary Ibrahim Khalil, Chandraghona Christian and Leprosy Hospital Director Prabir Khyang among others spoke at the workshop.
