Chief justice SK Sinha on Wednesday said democracy is meaningless if the freedom of speech and press is not ensured.
He came up with the observation while addressing as the chief guest a programme marking the launching of new vernacular daily the ‘Dainik Protidiner Sangbad’ at Bangla Academy.
“The role of newspapers is immense in a democratic system. The genuine beauty of a democratic social system is the freedom of speech, freedom of individual. Without the freedom of newspapers, democracy is meaningless,” said the chief justice.
“That democracy is qualitatively and stoutly instituted in an independent state can be claimed only when the state is able to ensure freedom of speech, freedom of individual, and freedom of judiciary,” he added.
SK Sinha also underscored the need for forging positive relations between the judiciary and the press, saying, “The judiciary has an important role in the governance of the state. If the judiciary is not independent, good governance can’t be established.
Journalists can play a significant role in ensuring the independence of the judiciary. That is why a good relation between judiciary and the journalists is very necessary.”
The media has been rendering its continuous support to the judiciary by publishing time-befitting news on the judicial processes, and, in this way, playing an important role in the reforms of the judiciary, he added.
The Chief Justice, however, noted that some newspapers create confusions among people by publishing biased, unethical and personally motivated news items.
“On many occasions, judges and people seeking justice are embarrassed due to media trial which is uncalled for and unexpected,” he said.
“The judiciary is not even immune to mistakes. I hope the media will do constructive and fair criticism about the activities of the judiciary. Defaming the judiciary out of hostility is not at all expected,” he added.
Deputy Speaker Md Fazle Rabbi Miah, State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Nasrul Hamid, Dainik Protidiner Sangbad publisher Md Tajul Islam, MP, and its editor Abu Sayeed Khan were also present at the programme.
Source: Prothom Alo
