(BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Adviser Md. Mahfuj Alam today said that journalists must play a vigilant and responsible role before, during and after the election.

If this can be done, the distrust that has developed among the people toward the media will be removed, he said.

The adviser made the remarks while presiding over a views exchange meeting on the role of the media during elections at the conference room of the Department of Films and Publications (DFP) at the Information Building here.

Emphasizing the need for an unrestricted flow of information during elections, he said that the public must be informed about what is happening on the ground — including incidents of corruption and violence.

Referring to the past, he said that there had been obstacles imposed on the media during elections, but assured that there would be no such barriers on the media in the upcoming National Parliamentary Election.

Mentioning that a significant number of young voters will cast their votes in this election, Md. Mahfuj Alam said that the media has a crucial role in building trust among these young voters.

He also said that Bangladeshi expatriates will vote in this election, and the media must work to convey to them the roles being played by the different political parties.

He further said that the government will take all necessary steps to ensure that the public does not fall victim to violence during the upcoming election, and that the media too must contribute in this regard.

In response to various concerns raised by journalists during the meeting, the Adviser affirmed that the government attaches the highest importance to the safety of journalists during elections.

He also assured that if any irregular restrictions exist regarding election reporting, these will be reviewed and necessary steps will be taken.

Participating journalists stressed the need to ensure the safety of media professionals during elections.

They also called for amendments to the Election Commission’s regulations regarding media access to polling stations. Additionally, they raised an issue to the government to take necessary steps to prevent any misuse of journalist ID cards during election coverage.

Information and Broadcasting Secretary Mahbuba Farjana, Additional Secretary Md. Kawsar Ahammad, heads of affiliated departments and agencies under the ministry, as well as editors, publishers and journalists from various media outlets were present at the meeting. The session was conducted by Principal Information Officer Md. Nizamul Kabir.