Newspaper sector declared an industry

The government on Tuesday declared the newspaper sector as an industry separating it from the service sector in an effort to ensure a stronger and vibrant media industry in the country. Industries Minister Amir Hossain Amu made the declaration at a meeting with leaders of the Newspaper Owners’ Association of Bangladesh (Noab) at his Shilpa Bhaban office. Amu said the government has taken the decision considering the longstanding demand of the newspapers’ owners. “I hope, through this initiative, a powerful newspaper industry will emerge in the country.” Noab President Mahbubul Alam, Prothom Alo Editor Matiur Rahman, Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam, Somokal publisher AK Azad, New Age editorial board Chairman Shahidullah Khan, News Today Editor and Publisher Reazuddin Ahmed, Financial Express Editor AHM Moazzem Hossain and additional Industries Secretary M Forhad Uddin were also present. The owners at the meeting appreciated the government for the initiative and urged the minister to ensure relevant facilities through publishing a gazette in this regard. The Industries Minister mentioned that the newspaper industry has played an important role in reestablishing democracy. – UNB, Dhaka.