Investigative journalism under siege, free media pivotal for democracy: TIB

Staff Reporter :
The speakers at a program on Saturday said that democracy and development are complementary to each other and it is essential to make the development meaningful.

The discussants also expressed that the country’s journalism, especially investigative journalism was now under siege, beginning from surveillance to draconian laws.

They made these remarks at the discussion organized to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day at TIB office in the capital on Saturday.

Speaking on the occasion TIB chairperson Sultana Kamal said corruption, injustice, violation of human rights and anarchy are not only being endured, but also these are being patronized.

TIB executive director Iftekharuzzaman said democracy is essential if the development is really made for the people and to make it meaningful.

Democracy ensures freedom of expression of the people, press freedom, he said adding the real development can be made meaningful through ensuring the freedom of expression.

TIB co-coordinator Zafar SadiK presented the keynote in the discussion meeting. He said that laws were not made to ensure freedom of speech; laws were made to control it.

At the event, TIB gave away an investigative journalism award, 2023. Ekushey.com of Chattogramm, chief reporter Shariful Islam received an award in the regional newspaper category, Daily Kaler Kantho Savar correspondent Zahid Hasan in the national newspaper category and Independent Television senior reporter Hasan Misbah received award in the electronic media (TV channel) category.

Independent Television’s program ‘Taalash’ also received an award in the electronic media (documentary).

TIB executive director Iftekharuzzaman handed over the crests and certificates among the winners at the program.