Incentives will be provided for environmental journalism, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat has said.
Information is often mixed with misinformation. The government is working to ensure full freedom of the media. I am working on the Mass Media Employees Bill. We will sit with two representatives from each organization and try to pass the bill by placing it in parliament as soon as possible,Ó the state minister said.

He made the comments at a discussion organized by the Editors’ Council marking World Press Freedom Day at the National Press Club on Saturday.
Editors’ Council President and the Editor of The Daily Star Mahfuz Anam presided over the discussion while Editors’ Council General Secretary and Bonik Barta Editor Dewan Hanif Mahmud moderated it.
Editor of The Daily Star Mahfuz Anam presides over the discussion organized by the Editors` Council marking World Press Freedom Day at the National Press Club in Dhaka on Saturday, May 4, 2024.
Newspaper Owners’ Association (Noab) President AK Azad, Dhaka Tribune Editor Zafar Sobhan, Bhorer Kagoj Editor and Jatiya Press Club General Secretary Shyamal Dutta, Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA) Chief Executive Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, Daily Inqilab Editor AMM Bahauddin, among others, were present at the discussion.

In his comments, Arafat added: ÒEnvironmental protection is important as well as development. I am not in favour of protecting the environment where development will be hampered. I think we need balance.Ó

Referring to the Padma Bridge project, he highlighted its multifaceted purpose, stating that the bridge serves not only as a means of transportation but also as a tool for poverty alleviation.

“Development extends beyond mere construction of projects. It encompasses advancements in education, healthcare, communication systems, and the economy,” he added.
Mohammad Ali Arafat further added that those who work to protect the environment are friends. And so are journalists.

ÒWe are not always 100% right. Over the past 15 years, we have accomplished a great deal, but it is not without its fair share of mistakes. We welcome constructive criticism. Non-journalistic practices are harming the core of journalism,Ó he said