Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Zahir Uddin Swapan said the elected government is working relentlessly to overcome a fragile economy inherited amid problems in the power and energy sectors. He made the remarks on Tuesday at a discussion marking the 43rd founding anniversary of the Daily Janata newspaper at the National Press Club.

Swapan attributed the situation to what he described as 17 years of flawed energy policy, unplanned projects and extensive looting by the previous government. He said the government had automatically inherited the crisis after being elected and was pursuing hard work to emerge from it.

He also said the government was prepared to provide policy support to institutionalise the media and protect the interests of all parties connected with newspapers. Calling the media the fourth pillar of the state, he said journalism should question those in power to ensure accountability, and that an elected democratic government welcomes such questions. He reiterated support for newspaper owners, editors, journalists, printing workers and others in the media industry.