BD needs to uphold press freedom, protect bloggers: Germany

Newly appointed German Ambassador in Dhaka Dr Thomas Prinz on Thursday said Bangladesh needs to uphold freedom of press and protect bloggers as blogging has become a new form of journalism.

“You know there’s new form of journalism which is coming up like blogs. It’s important for the government of Bangladesh to uphold the freedom of press and protect the new media scene, especially the bloggers,” he said.

The German diplomat made the remark while interacting with reporters at the launching ceremony of Deutsche Welle’s (DW) new presence here at a city hotel.

BTV Director General Abdul Mannan and Head of Distribution, Asia, DW Dorothee Ulrichs, among others, spoke on the occasion.

Dr Prinz said they have seen a number of attacks on bloggers in recent times in Bangladesh and mentioned that it is important for the government to come out to protect these people.

He said Bangladesh has a very ‘lively’ media scene and hoped that the government will play the due role to have a better scenario in terms of media freedom in the coming days.

The German envoy also laid emphasis on ‘check and balance’ in a democratic society and highlighted media’s role.

The diplomat, however, did not want to make any comment on whether this check and balance is now prevailing in the country.

It is very difficult to answer to the matter as he thinks he is still a new in Bangladesh, he added.

Responding to a question on RMG sector, Dr Prinz said Bangladesh has shown a tremendous progress in terms of working conditions and it has increased minimum wage for the workers. “I think there’s room for further improvement and we should do something to increase prices,” he said.

The Ambassador also said their call for improving working conditions in factories is not only for Bangladesh. “It doesn’t make sense only to ask Bangladesh to improve; rather it has to be made by all the producing countries.”

Abdul Mannan highlighted the role of media in Bangladesh society and described the media freedom enjoying the sector. “BTV has a commitment to the people of the country.”

He also referred to the presence of 24 private television channels in the country and media is enjoying freedom in the country.

The BTV DG also laid emphasis on social media at this age of technological advancement.

Dorothee Ulrichs highlighted the presence of DW globally and said they are looking into more in depth stories.

“The new DW opens a window to the world for our viewers in South Asia,” she said adding that the DW offers a unique perspective that is especially valued by local business and opinion leaders, and DW news will now provide them with insights into international *headlines and the details behind regional issues.

Responding to a question, she said they would be happy to go for partnership and co-production and encouraged independent journalists to contribute to the TV channel. She said they will increase the areas and suggested all to give them a bit of time.

Earlier, the DW, Germany’s international broadcaster, announced its new presence here with a modern and interactive channel with 24 hours of programming in English with a focus on news and regional content for Asia.

The DW has underlined its dedication to serving television audience in Southeast Asia while presenting its new channel in Dhaka.

The cornerstone of the new channel is DW News, which covers all the top stories from Europe and the world, along with a programming focus on regional news and events from Asia.

Along with DW news, the new channel features a variety of documentaries, talk shows and programmes covering culture and lifestyle.

DW’s new channel is available on all major cable networks in Bangladesh including United Communications Services and the first-ever DTH platform in Bangladesh operated by Beximco Communications Limited that will begin service at the beginning of 2016. -UNB