BNP will always stand for press freedom: Tuku 

TANGAIL, Mar 15: State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salauddin Tuku on Saturday said that martyred President Ziaur Rahman had ensured freedom of expression for journalists in Bangladesh, adding that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) would continue to support press freedom in the future.

"Through your writings, BNP will continue working to build a just and proper society," he said while addressing journalists.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at an iftar gathering and discussion organised by the Print Media Association and the Journalists' Union in Tangail on Saturday. The event was presided over by Journalists' Union President Shamsadul Akter Shamim.

Tuku said journalists remain constantly engaged in their professional responsibilities and often cannot spend enough time with their families. "They work throughout the day to collect accurate information on various issues of society and present them to the public through news reports," he said.

The state minister also sought the cooperation of journalists in building a modern Tangail. He expressed hope that collective efforts would help transform the district into a safe and secure place free from terrorism, extortion, and juvenile gangs.

The programme was moderated by Abu Jubayer Ujjal, General Secretary of the Tangail Print Media Association.

Speaking at the event, welcome remarks were delivered by Print Media Association President Md Zubaid Mallick Bulbul and Journalists' Union General Secretary Mahabbat Hossain.

Among others present at the iftar gathering were Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Sanjoy Kumar Mahanta, Additional Superintendent of Police Rabiul Islam, Tangail district Jamaat Ameer Ahsan Habib Masud, poet Mahmud Kamal, Secretary of the district public library, Executive Editor of The Financial Today Shaheen Abdul Bari, District Business Alliance General Secretary Abul Kalam Mostafa Labu, former Tangail Press Club President Z I Khan, former General Secretary Kamona Shirsh Shekhar, and veteran journalist Waheduzzaman Mothi, along with members of the Print Media Association and the Journalists' Union.