Progress in democracy, happiness index proof good governance: Hasan

City Desk :
Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud on Monday said Bangladesh’s two-step advancement in world democracy index and seven-step advancement in world happiness countries proved that the country has consolidated democracy and good governance.
The minister made the remarks while presiding over the cheques distribution function of Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust (BJWT) at Karabi Hall of the Prime Minister’s Office in the capital, said a press release of the information ministry.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina distributed cheques among sick, injured, insolvent journalists and their family members, the release said, reports BSS.
Information and Broadcasting Secretary Md Humayun Kabir Khandaker gave the welcome address at the function.
Dr Hasan said the concept of the journalists welfare trust is the brainchild of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and she was the first who declared that it will be better to establish an fund than to provide assistance. After that, a welfare fund was formed and later the journalists’ welfare trust was established, he added.

He said the trust has truly become a dependable source of financial support for journalists and their families who are in crisis or have been killed in the country.
The information minister said the journey of private television and radio begun under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He said there were only 10 television channels in 2008 and now 35 TV channels are on air while more seven to eight will be on air soon. The number of newspapers was 400 in 2009 while the number is now about 1250, said Dr Hasan, also Awami League joint general secretary.

He said a vast revolution has taken place in the country’s mass media sector and it has been possible only for Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and media friendly policy adopted by the Awami League government.