The Hon. Mujibur Rahuman

¶ 01 We promised to introduce an alternative political system to this country — that is what we called system change. But that system change is not happening. The old system continues. What the Police Media Spokesman said under previous repressive governments is exactly what the current Police Media Spokesman says now, and the media report it the same way. I believe the media also have a responsibility here. If the media simply repeat whatever the Police Media Spokesman says, then what is the point of the media? The media must verify truth and accuracy, and not just echo police statements. At the very least, if a court has revealed something, reporting it is acceptable — but here there is nothing like that. Whenever someone dies, immediately people sit down and say, “This person is related to so-and-so.” What is this? This is not a good state of affairs, and I think it could affect all of us in the future.

¶ 02 Therefore, I especially urge the Hon. Minister of Mass Media to bring a new media culture to our country. You have a responsibility. You were the ones who spoke about changing the old system and transforming the rotten political order with a new approach. You promised the people to remove the ideas and ideologies of the old political system that destroyed society and to bring new ideas and ideologies. So, you bear a great responsibility. Do not continue the old traditions; bring a new order to the media. Everything needs renewal. But we can see that is not happening. It has been a year since you came to power, and this Government has run along the same track laid by previous rulers. We do not see it taking a new path. Yet, on election platforms and in your policy declaration, you said you had alternative ideas on everything — on the economy, on political culture, on the arts, and on the media.