Refrain from action that harms national interest, economy

The PM made the call when the newly elected Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists (BFUJ) leaders along with its front unions had a courtesy call on her at the ICC at the PMO.

BFUJ President Mozammel Huq and Secretary General Ruhul Amin Gazi led a 31-member delegation at the meeting.

The prime minister pointed out that a country's independence and sovereignty are based on its economy.

She said her BNP-led government always worked for freedom of the press and welfare of press media and the journalists.

As a result, unlike many countries press freedom has been prevailing in Bangladesh, she told the BFUJ leaders.

The journalist leaders placed some demands to the PM, particularly for formulation of a national policy guideline for press and TV channels, like they have done in many countries including India and Nepal, announcement of the award of sixth wage board, setting up of a welfare fund for journalists and housing facilities in the capital and other cities.

Responding to their demands, Khaleda assured that her government would actively consider all the demands and take steps for their implementation.

Admitting the necessity of policy guidelines for press and TV channels, she said the suggestion would be considered taking opinions through consultations with all concerned groups, including newspaper and TV channel owners, editors, journalists as well newspaper readers and TV viewers' forums.

Despite some newspaper reports about crises in diesel and fertilizer supplies, she pointed out that bumper crops have been harvested this year. She said there was no dearth in the supply of diesel, fertilizers and other agricultural inputs in the country.

Congratulating the newly elected BFUJ leaders, Khaleda hoped that journalists would maintain their professional efficiency and discharge their social responsibilities.

The journalist leaders also apprised the PM of the progress of settlement of Chittagong and Kushtia incidents relating to journalists following meetings with the ministers concerned.

Information Minister Shamsul Islam, Deputy Minister for Information Abdus Salam Pintu, BFUJ President Mozammel Huq, Secretary General Ruhul Amin Gazi, Vice-Presidents Shamsuddin Harun, Abbasuddin Afsari and Fakir Shawkat spoke on the occasion.