Swapan seeks journalists' cooperation to ensure welfare of media professionals

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapan has sought cooperation of journalist community to effectively implement the important responsibilities entrusted to him by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for the welfare of media professionals. "I seek sincere cooperation of journalists so that I can faithfully carry out the responsibilities assigned to me by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman for the welfare and betterment of media professionals," he said.

He made the call while addressing an Iftar and doa-mahfil organized by the Jatiya Press Club at its Kazi Nazrul Islam auditorium in the capital. Speaking on the occasion, Social Welfare and Women and Children Affairs Minister Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain called for the wholehearted support of the journalist community to ensure the swift and successful implementation of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's envisioned "Family Card" programme.

"Insha'Allah, we want to implement the Prime Minister's dream project 'Family Card' in the shortest possible time. To achieve this goal, your (journalists') cooperation and guidance are indispensable," he said. Dr Zahid, who spoke as an associate member of the Press Club for the first time, expressed gratitude to the club authorities and its management committee for arranging the programme. The function was presided over by Jatiya Press Club President poet Hasan Hafiz and moderated by its General Secretary Ayub Bhuiyan.

Prior to Iftar, the club's Pesh Imam conducted a special munajat seeking peace, prosperity and continued progress for the country and the Muslim Ummah, as well as establishing a discrimination-free society. Special prayers were also offered for the eternal peace of the departed soul of former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and for the sound health and long life of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

Former Jatiya Press Club President Kamal Uddin Sabuj and former General Secretary Syed Abdal Ahmed, President of the Bangladesh Federal Union of Journalists Obaidur Rahman Shahin and its Secretary General Kader Gani Chowdhury, President of the Dhaka Union of Journalists Shahidul Islam and its General Secretary Khurshid Alam attended the event, among others. Prime Minister's Press Secretary Abu Abdullah M Saleh, Editor of Jugantor and National Press Club Management Committee Member poet Abdul Hai Shikder, Editor of Manabzamin Matiur Rahman Chowdhury, Editor of Bangladesh Pratidin Abu Taher and prominent journalist leaders and political figures were present there.