Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan calls for bold journalism

Bashundhara Group and East West Media Group Limited (EWMGL) Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan on Tuesday called upon the journalists to practice bold investigative journalism in ensuring development of the society and state.

The eminent business personality of the country was addressing as chief guest at a program of ‘Correspondents’ Conference of Bangladesh Pratidin’, a leading national Bangla daily, at Bashundhara Mediaplex conference room at Bashundhara Residential Area in the city.

He said, “The journalists are held publicly accountable hence it is necessary to publish impartial, accurate and transparent news items instead of publishing news items which are false and beneficial to vested quarters.”

Ahmed Akbar Sobhan also told his audience that the country would prosper if people be prosperous. “Journalists can do well to the 16 crore country people by publishing news items and this is why objectivity is crucial,” he said.

Praising the journalists of ‘Bangladesh Pratidin’ for emerging as a newspaper with the highest circulation in five years, Ahmed Akbar Sobhan also said, “It is easy to reach at the top but very tough to retain the position.”

Many newspapers have sprung forth but quickly went out of circulation. Whereas, ‘Bangladesh Pratidin’ has been moving forward retaining its position, he added.

He asked the district correspondents of the daily to publish investigative reports on all the irregularities for the betterment of the country.

During his speech, EWMGL chairman praised the investigative reports on Yaba published by banglanews24.com, leading online news portal of the country, and asked them to follow the example.

Among others, Bangladesh Pratidin Editor Naem Nizam and Kaler Kantho Editor Imdadul Haque Milon also addressed the conference.

Bangladesh Pratidin Executive Editor Pir Habibur Rahman conducted the event.

Joint Editor of Bangladesh Pratidin Abu Taher, Deputy Editor Mahmud Hasan, Chief News Editor Masuk Chowdhury and News Editors Kamal Mahmood and Lutfur Rahman Himel were among others present at the programme.

Ahmed Akbar Sobhan also handed over a cheque of Tk 300,000 to the wife of Moulvibazar correspondent of ‘Bangladesh Pratidin’ who died recently.