IP TV and Online News Portals to Come Under New Policy: State Minister

State Minister for Information and Broadcasting Yaser Khan Chowdhury said, “The country’s IP TV and online portals will be brought under a policy framework. We have discussed these matters with the Prime Minister.”

He made these remarks to journalists on Thursday (26 February) afternoon while visiting the Press Club in his home area of Nandail.

He said that after sitting in the ministry, he can now understand how the ministry was run over the past 17 years. It was operated through irregularities and corruption in whatever way possible, without regard for any rules or regulations. Now everything will run according to rules. The country’s IP TV and online portals will be brought under a policy framework.

The State Minister said that those who are running online portals with just a mobile phone must operate in compliance with government policies.

He further said that the government of Tarique Rahman does not want to curtail media freedom, because the Prime Minister believes that a “free media” is essential for the development of democracy.

This is the State Minister’s first visit to Nandail after the 13th National Parliamentary Election. Upon reaching his constituency, a smartly turned-out police contingent gave him a guard of honor at the District Council Dak Bungalow premises in the town. Nandail Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Fatema Jannat was present there.

After the protocol, BNP leaders, activists, and supporters from various unions welcomed the State Minister with bouquets of flowers. Later, he visited the Nandail Press Club.

At that time, representatives of Sammilito Sangbadik Samaj, Nandail, and Gafargaon Press Club welcomed him with flowers. While speaking there, Yaser Khan assured that journalists would be provided training to improve professional standards and assistance from the welfare fund in accordance with policy guidelines.

Later, the State Minister participated in an exchange meeting with government officials at the conference room of the Nandail Upazila Nirbahi Officer. He also visited the Upazila Health Complex and inquired about the treatment of patients.