Freedom of the press and democracy

The paper that carries the message of daily happiness-sorrow, joy-pain, separation-pain, incident-accident that enters our door before dawn is called newspaper. The multifaceted functioning of the newspaper creates a fundamental and accountable bridge between the government and the people. One of the most talked about and criticized issues in the world today is freedom of the press and democracy. The issue of freedom of the press flourished through fair and impartial news coverage, formation of public opinion and reflection of public opinion. Newspapers also have a huge role to play in defending democracy.

History of Newspapers: The first newspaper is thought to have originated in China. The first newspapers in European countries were introduced in Italy. The name of the first printed newspaper in Bangladesh and India is Bengal Gatez. The first Bengali periodical, Dik Darshan, was published in April 1818 under the editorship of John Clark Marshman. The first daily newspaper in Bengali was Ishwar Gupta's 'Sangbad Prabhakar'. Notable among the Bengali periodicals are Tattvabodhini (1843), Banga Darshan (182), Bharati (1823), Sabujpatra (1914), Basna (1908), Saugat (1917), Moslem Bharat (1920), Dhumketu (1922), Shikha (1926). . At present daily, weekly, fortnightly, monthly, quarterly, half-yearly and annual magazines are published under different names. The acceptability of these journals depends on the delivery of reliable and objective news.

Dissemination of topics in modern newspapers: Modern newspapers are covering news on sports, culture, literature, market prices, research, weather, public opinion etc. Some magazines survey readers' opinions on specific issues and publish them in the form of reports. These reports discuss and review what the people and the government need to do. There are also separate forums for readers, which play a role in shaping public opinion. The world is getting smaller and smaller with the help of newspapers and it wants to bring almost all aspects of public life under its purview.

Freedom of the Press and Democracy: The Freedom of the Press and Democracy is one of the most talked about topics at present. Because without the freedom of the press, it is not possible to paint a picture of the overall picture of a society. Anthony Maskurenhus said: "The Freedom of the newspaper Could Preserve democracy, Constitutionalism and good governance." The newspaper is a daily document of the overall identity of a society.

Freedom of the press and expression is recognized as an essential issue in civilized society and in a democratic state today. Newspapers act as a bridge between the government and the people. As a result, if there is freedom of expression in the press, the people can freely express their views in the press and the government also takes those news seriously. As a result, the issue of freedom of the press became important for both the country and the people and led the country and the nation towards development.

Freedom of the press and democracy in the context of Bangladesh: There is no such thing as ultimate freedom of the press. Along with the exercise of independence, there must also be a responsibility towards democracy, society and the country. This responsibility is even more important in a country like Bangladesh. Because here traditionally the opposition does not play a responsible role, they do not go to parliament even if they are elected. Even if he goes to the parliament, he is not vocal about the problems of the people. They are busy with their own political issues. As a result, besides providing news, the media has to go to the government with the words of the people. In the absence of effective and opposition, the media has to take the responsibility of the opposition. The media has to take a stand on the question of maintaining the democratic system.

Freedom of the press in the constitution: Although the constitution was enacted in Bangladesh in 1972, 15 amendments have been added to the constitution in the last 42 years. However, Article 39 of the Constitution remained as it was. Article 1 of Article 39 of the Constitution clearly states that ‘freedom of thought and conscience is guaranteed’. Sections 39 (2) ‘a’ and ‘b’ of this paragraph are more explicit. ‘A’ states ‘the right of every citizen to freedom of speech and expression’ and ‘B’ states ‘freedom of the press is guaranteed’.

Freedom of the press and the press: Just as an independent press is necessary for the progress of the country, an independent media is impossible without the freedom of the press. An independent journalist, who is not a partisan, needs a newspaper where professionalism will prevail, not the owner's intervention. Journalism is an adjunct to democracy. Therefore, it can be said that the role of neutral journalists in the establishment of freedom of press and democracy is undeniable.

Restrictions on the freedom of the press: Newspapers are a reflection of all the activities of the society and the state and journalists are the strongest voice of the nation. 39 of the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh.

 The press is enjoying freedom, subject to the obligations described in paragraph number. However, there is no opportunity to publish news by distortion. The following issues need to be kept in mind while publishing independent news in newspapers. 1. News that disrupts the security of the state cannot be published. 2. Statements that could erode Bangladesh's friendly relations with foreign countries cannot be published. 3. News that can damage decency or morality and cause social degradation is not newsworthy. 4. Issues that disrupt public order cannot be published as much. 5. Statements that are contempt of court cannot be made. . Issues that defame someone should be avoided. . No news can be published on matters that incite crime.

Freedom of the press and the role of the government: The newspaper is called the fourth pillar of the state. There is no substitute for the role and support of the media and newspapers in managing the state and government properly. If the government makes a mistake or takes a decision that is against the national interest, the newspaper presents it to the public and acts as the main catalyst in creating an environment to create public awareness and resistance. Therefore, in a society and state of multi-party democracy, there is no room for frustration in the freedom and security of the press. However, in our country, the protection of the freedom and dignity of the press is not considered as the main issue, the newspaper and the press became the bane of the state power. In order to reveal the truth, the editor has to maintain 'limitations' from time to time.

There is no alternative to freedom of the press for democracy. Newspapers bring the government into harmony with the people. Therefore, in order to keep democracy strong, the issue of freedom of press must be given priority. Democracy will be saved and we will be able to take democracy to a higher level only if it serves objective news in the newspapers, catches the faults of the government and protests against all irregularities in the society.