Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Thursday stressed the need for a proper authority to determine who qualifies as a journalist and who does not.
“It is essential to have a proper authority to determine who is a journalist or who is not,” he said while addressing the first meeting of the newly constituted Press Accreditation Committee at the conference room of his ministry.
The minister suggested that the committee members ensure every decision reflects the Constitution, existing laws and relevant rules and regulations.
He also urged them to exercise foresight, wisdom and an inclusive mindset in decision-making so that the committee's decisions are widely accepted.
Describing the media as a diverse and pluralistic sector, Swapon said there is no alternative to the coexistence of people with different opinions, perspectives and ideas.
"So, instead of taking narrow or biased decisions, the committee should follow an inclusive approach that accommodates the largest possible number of stakeholders," he said.
Principal Information Officer Syed Abdal Ahmed presided over the meeting attended by acting Information Secretary Shah Alam and the members of the Press Accreditation Committee.