State Minister for Information Yasser Khan Chowdhury said the government will not interfere in journalists’ freedom. Speaking as chief guest at the inauguration of the Chattogram Metropolitan Journalists Union office at the Chattogram Press Club on Friday, he stated that the current administration has no intention or mindset to pressure the media. He emphasized that the prime minister has directed that the media should operate independently.

The minister contrasted the current government’s stance with what he described as interference and intimidation under previous authoritarian regimes. He urged journalists to ensure accuracy and avoid misinformation, noting that artificial intelligence has made it easier to manipulate images and videos. He also highlighted the government’s efforts to address journalists’ rights and pending payments, while calling on media owners to pay salaries on time.

Land and Hill Affairs State Minister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, who inaugurated the event, said the government welcomes constructive criticism and cooperation to improve governance. Several senior journalists and union leaders also attended the program.