Newly appointed Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman on Sunday pledged to take the media forward through cooperation rather than control, stressing the importance of ensuring credible communication of government activities to the people.

He made the remarks at a view-exchange meeting with officials of the ministry and its subordinate departments and agencies at the Secretariat on his first working day after assuming office.

“The responsibility of credibly communicating all government activities to the people is a very big one for us. At the same time, we have to keep in mind our relationship with the people and the issue of national unity,” the minister said.

He said the ministry also has a responsibility to preserve the country’s cultural and religious values, the spirit of the Liberation War and other sources of national pride.

Describing the current period as one of the most difficult times in Bangladesh’s history, Andaleeve said the government is making every possible effort under the leadership of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

“Everyone can make mistakes. But from the standpoint of ethics, we are in a very strong position,” he said, adding that the government’s instruction under the prime minister’s leadership is to serve the country and advance the interests of the people.

Describing the media as one of the most important pillars of democracy, the minister said the media helped people learn about government failures, irregularities and repression despite various forms of control and restrictions over the past 17 years.

“There is no way to underestimate the role of the media during the July movement. Their role was important in every respect,” he said, stressing that the ministry’s role should be regulatory rather than controlling.

“We have to keep in mind that we are responsible for regulating this ministry, but in no way should we go into control,” Andaleeve said.

He also said ethical decline and structural problems have developed in various state institutions over the past 17 years.

The minister said repairing the damage caused to the judiciary, politics, statutory bodies, Parliament and other institutions will take time, but everyone must remain aware of the paths that should not be taken. “We have to concentrate on repairing the damage and developing a new system,” he said.

He also emphasised promoting social values and the spirit of the Liberation War while urging officials to remain cautious so that no decision causes injustice.

Praising the experience of ministry officials, Andaleeve described the government’s work as a team effort, saying while he has political experience, the officials have greater experience in administrative and bureaucratic matters.

He said one of their key responsibilities is to properly communicate the government’s political decisions to the people while safeguarding their interests.