'Media freedom a must to ensure continued progress'

Bangladesh has seen a continued development in the recent times, but media freedom is a must to sustain this progress, British high commissioner in Dhaka Robert Dickson said during a visit to Prothom Alo office on Wednesday.

The British envoy paid the visit to the daily's office in the city's Karwanbazar as part of his regular visits to different media houses. Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman welcomed him on his arrival.

The diplomat mentioned about the world conference on media freedom held in London in July. In the conference, jointly organised by the UK and Canada, a worldwide effort was undertaken to ensure freedom of the media. As a part of the pledges, the UK high commissioner in Dhaka is exchanging views with different media.

“Bangladesh has been going ahead amid many obstacles. Prothom Alo has been working with a view to highlighting the various achievements of Bangladesh at home and abroad since its emergence in 1998,” said Prothom Alo editor Matiur Rahman in the meeting with the high commissioner.

“Prothom Alo in its 21st anniversary has published 5 supplements based on the five fundamental demands stated in our constitution - food, clothes, shelter, treatment and education. A number of experts and columnists write on those subjects and their different aspects," he further said.