ASIA/BANGLADESH - Catholic media operators and journalists discuss freedom of expression and mass media at the service of peace

Monday, 22 November 2004

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Dacca (Fides Service) - Freedom of expression as a fundamental right in every society, media at the service of peace and harmony, the importance of sharing of information among countries in Southern Asia were some of the topics discussed by journalists and media operators from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh during a recent meeting in Dacca, capital of Bangladesh. The meeting was organised by the Southern Asia Catholic Press Association.
The participants agreed to build a network for reciprocal enrichment in the area and underlined the importance of freedom to inform and to be informed, and to have an exchange of communication to build relations of harmony in southern Asia. They voiced concern for control and monopolisation of news by political and multinational media groups with excessive economic power which tend to have a strong influence on information and on public opinion.
The participants voiced solidarity with the many people suffering the consequences of ethnic conflict in Sri Lanka, extremist rebellion in Nepal, various forms of religious fundamentalism in India and Bangladesh, and a partly discriminating law system in Pakistan which penalises ethnic and religious minorities.
Addressing those present, Mgr Paulino Costa head of the Social Communications’ Commission of the Conference of Catholic Bishops in Bangladesh said “Catholic journalists are heralds of Truth and the Church expects them to be at the service of Truth and Freedom”.
For his part, South Asia Catholic Press Association chairman Salesian Father George Plathottam, said “in a world torn apart by conflict, simply speaking about peace and reflecting on peace can be therapeutic. It can bring comfort, restore hope that a new humanity is possible because Catholic journalists believe in Christ who gave his disciples the gift of ‘Shalom’, peace and He is the fullness of peace”.
The delegates sent a message of dialogue and peace to the Muslim community, the main religious group in Bangladesh.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 22/11/2004 righe 28 parole 294)