Speaker of the National Parliament, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury, stated that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has undertaken and implemented various initiatives for the welfare of media workers and journalists. It was during her tenure that private television channels began operating, and currently, online portals are being approved. The ‘Bangladesh Journalists Welfare Trust’ law has been passed for the benefit of journalists. On Thursday, May 30, she made these remarks as the chief guest at the 53rd anniversary celebration of the daily Gonokantho newspaper, held at the Pan Pacific Sonargaon Hotel in the capital. Highlighting Sheikh Hasina as a media-friendly Prime Minister, Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury mentioned that the Prime Minister has taken initiatives to transform the country into a smart Bangladesh by 2041. She emphasized the need to develop smart media through the use of modern information and communication technology. The Speaker noted that media plays a crucial role in practicing parliamentary democracy and advancing the country’s socio-economic and political progress. She asserted that the media becomes effective when media workers perform their duties with ethics and responsibility. She also stressed that democracy is strengthened through the expansion of independent media. The Speaker added that objective criticism of the government strengthens it, but there should also be vigilance against misinformation. She noted that women involved in the challenging profession of journalism should be given opportunities to fulfill their professional responsibilities. Shirin Sharmin Chaudhury praised the daily Gonokantho as one of the country's most esteemed newspapers, which has been publishing objective news inspired by the spirit of the Liberation War for 53 years. She urged the newspaper to continue contributing to national development by highlighting the issues and potential of grassroots-level activities to the government. The daily Gonokantho should work for the welfare of the common people. During the event, the Speaker was presented with a crest and an honorary shawl by the daily Gonokantho. The editor and publisher of the daily Gonokantho, and Chairman of the Telelink Group, Mohammad Nizam Uddin Jitu, delivered the welcome speech at the event. Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque delivered the inaugural speech. Additionally, HM Ibrahim, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Labour and Employment, also spoke. The event was attended by acting President of FBCCI Md. Amin Helali, Chairman of Wellcare Group Badiuzzaman Mithu, Managing Director of Notundhora Group Dr. Md. Sadi Uz Zaman, invited guests, distinguished personalities and media workers.