Media freedom ensured, accountability essential

State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Mir Shahe Alam said that press freedom has been ensured under the government in line with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) election manifesto, while cautioning that it should not be misused.
He made the remarks at a press conference at the Bogura Press Club on Friday afternoon. 
“Media professionals must act responsibly in reporting news and ensure that information is accurate and verified. Misuse of media freedom could harm individuals’ reputations, which cannot be easily restored once damaged,” the state minister said. 
Referring to a recent news report concerning the road to the Prime Minister’s village home, he described the report as “false and baseless,” adding that it may have been published without proper verification.
He also announced a Tk10 million allocation for the development of the newly constructed Bogura Press Club, stating that the fund has been provided by the Prime Minister. He said the city corporation would soon make the building operational through a tender process within the next month.
The minister further outlined several development initiatives for Bogra, including plans to establish a full-fledged independent university under the proposed “Bogura University Act,” which is currently under consideration by the Ministry of Education and will be placed before Parliament.
He said the government is also working to upgrade Bogura into a city corporation, with key administrative appointments already made. Additional posts, including chief health officer and chief waste management officer, would be filled in line with the organisational structure.
Mir Shahe Alam added that plans are underway to establish a Bogura development authority and a WASA-like body to improve urban services, particularly drinking water supply.
He also said an international airport is planned for Bogura, which would be the first in the northern region and the fifth in the country, featuring facilities for fighter aircraft, pilot training and cargo operations. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year, he added.
The minister further said a decision has been taken to construct the Bogura International Football Stadium, while Tk1,250 crore has been allocated for the Sirajganj–Bogura dual-gauge railway project. He said land acquisition is in its final stage and the project will be submitted to ECNEC for approval before international tenders are invited.
In addition, Tk27 crore has been allocated for the Bogura Baitur Rahman Central Mosque, with construction expected to begin next month through a tender process.