The World Press Freedom Day is observed on May 3 every year. Freedom of the Press is a prerequisite for a vibrant and functioning democracy and no democracy will be able to survive if press freedom is not ensured. The day was proclaimed by the United Nations in 1993. We learn from media reports that journalists are facing a hard time doing their job honestly. Sagar Runi murder is a glaring example of the tough and adverse situation prevailing for the Bangladeshi journalists who receive frequent threats for objective reporting.
It is a recognized fact that free media can play an important role for the development of a country. It ensures the accountability and transparency of the ruling party. The journey for establishing a free press has not been easy anywhere in the world. Countries where press freedom is uninterruptible had to traverse a long and arduous path to establish a free press.
The situation has however changed with the advent of information technology. Now people living in any region or country are able to keep themselves abreast with happenings around the world as there are many alternative sources on the internet. There is no way that flow of information can be stopped and no longer can people be kept in the dark anywhere in the world.
Masud Rana
Dhanmondi
Dhaka
