STAFF CORRESPONDENT

The government will ensure full support and protection for journalists who strive to do authentic environmental journalism, State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat said yesterday.

Speaking at a programme marking the World Press Freedom Day, he also said he thinks journalists who expose those responsible for environmental degradation are friends of the government.

The Editors’ Council organised the discussion titled “A Press for the Planet: Journalism in the face of Environmental Crisis” at the National Press Club.

Arafat said the government’s core policy is to protect the environment while carrying out development work.

He added that the government commits to not only conserving the environment but also ensuring complete press freedom.

“We don’t believe in controlling and imposing regulations on journalism. We firmly believe the freer the mass media, the more the prevention of propaganda in society and bigger the space for transparency and accountability in the government.”

About the Right to Information Act, the state minister said they will provide journalists with training on how they can effectively utilise the act.

The authorities concerned are bound to provide information sought by the media, but sensitive state information will be an exception, he said.

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