JASHORE : State Minister for Power, Energy and Mineral Resources Aninda Islam Amit today said the beauty of democracy lies in tolerance of differing opinions, and the media plays an indispensable role in building democracy on a strong foundation.

He said the country would move toward its desired progress only if the media performs its responsibilities with professionalism and integrity.

Amit made these remarks while addressing the opening ceremony of a three-day training workshop on "Multimedia, Fact-Checking and the Use of AI", organized by the Press Institute Bangladesh (PIB) at Jashore Press Club.

Seventy journalists working in various media across Jashore district participated in workshop.

The state minister said although current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and his family had been subjected to extensive misinformation and propaganda in the past, they had set a unique example of tolerance by not choosing the path of retaliation.

Addressing media professionals, he said that during the authoritarian era, many journalists had been compelled to publish false reports. 

"There is no need to write false news to please the BNP or me; report the truth based on accurate information," he told the journalists.

Noting his commitment to building a drug-free and terrorism-free Jashore, he sought cooperation from the media to eliminate drugs and terrorism.

Jahid Hasan Tukun, President of the Jashore Press Club, chaired it.

Local administrative officers and dignitaries were also present.