State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yasser Khan Choudhury has said the incumbent government believes in full freedom of the media.

“The government has ensured an environment where journalists can perform their professional duties freely without fear or intimidation,” he said.

The state minister said this as the chief guest at an orientation class of the “Rafique Hilaly English Excellence Program-2026” and a reception for students who achieved outstanding results in the SSC and Dakhil examinations, held at Kendua Upazila Public Hall in Netrokona on Friday afternoon.

After the programme, responding to journalists’ questions on their professional welfare and other issues, he said an initiative has been taken to increase the prescribed budget allocation for the Journalists Welfare Trust from Tk6 crore to Tk25 crore, and a proposal in this regard has been sent to the Ministry of Finance.

Yasser further said that alongside ensuring freedom of the press, efforts are underway through the Press Council to prevent “yellow journalism” and unethical journalism while maintaining professional standards.

The programme was presided over by Rafiqul Islam Hilaly, member of parliament from Netrokona-3 (Kendua-Atpara) constituency.

Lawmaker from Mymensingh-8 constituency Luthfullahel Mazed, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Moon Moon Jahan Liza, Kendua Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Sanzida Chowdhury and District Press Club Secretary Mahbubul Kibria Chowdhury Helim addressed the event as special guests.

The programme, which began at 10am, was attended by Kendua upazila BNP leaders, officials of the district administration, teachers, students, journalists and guardians.